BACKGROUD AND OBJECTIVES: The high frequency oral oscillation therapy (HFOO) is carried through a plastic device which promotes the clearance of pulmonary sputum. This possesses a metallic sphere which, oscillates during the expiration, generating oscillatory positive expiratory pressure. The aim of this study was to verify the performance of the national device of HFOO (Shaker, NCS, São Paulo) in relation to frequency of oscillation and expiratory pressure with variation of flow and inclination. METHODS: The device was imprisoned to a circuit that consisted of a pneumotacograph and a mechanical ventilator. This had the varied flow and during this variation the expiratory pressure and the frequency of oscillation of the device were measured in angulations which, varied of +40º to -40º. RESULTS: Significant correlation between flow and expiratory pressure in each level of inclination was found. A bigger frequency of oscillation and pressure was evidenced in the positive angulations with the biggest flows (50 and 60 L/min). CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency oral oscillation device can be used as an assist for the air way clearance therapy during mechanical ventilation.
Chest; HFOO; mechanical; physiotherapy; ventilation
