High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) | Chest Compression

"I wish I had this equipment a long time ago."
— 77-year-old *SmartVest*® user

For years, patients with impaired airway clearance had to rely on manual Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) — a rigorous, time-consuming and often inconsistent treatment technique.

What Is HFCWO?

High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO)

Today, High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO), also known as High Frequency Chest Compression (HFCC), is commonly prescribed and widely practiced for patients of all ages who are battling the consequences of retained pulmonary secretions. Lung and bronchial mucus clearance through High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation has been studied since 1983, and the first human study was published in 1989. Since then, in more than 50 studies, HFCWO has consistently been shown to be a safe, effective, and valuable tool in the treatment of retained pulmonary secretions. In fact, the first cost comparison study, published by BlueCross in 1994, detailed a 50% reduction in total health care costs with HFCWO.

How is HFCWO easier for the patient?

HFCWO induced airflows move pulmonary mucus upward to be cleared without requiring burdensome repositioning(1). Repetitive airflows shear secretions from the airway walls, thin their viscosity, and mobilize them mouthward(2). HFCWO is the only airway clearance method that is technique-independent and can be administered by either the patient or caregiver, with no expertise required. Patients receive high-quality airway clearance treatment while in any comfortable position.

Benefits of HFCWO

*Benefits of a HFCWO treatment delivered by the SmartVest® and SmartVest Wrap® include*
	Reduction in lung infections, such as pneumonia (3,4)
	Reduction in hospitalizations (3,4)
	Reduction of expensive medications (3,4)
	Cost effective by reducing the secondary complications associated with impaired mucus transport (3,4)

1- Chang HK, Weber ME, King M. Mucus transport by high-frequency nonsymmetrical oscillatory airflow. J Appl Physiol 1988; 65(3): 1203-1209.
2- Majaesic C, Montgomery M, Jones R, King M. Reduction in sputum viscosity using high frequency chest compressions compared to conventional chest physiotherapy. Pediatr Pulmonol 1996; Suppl 13: A358.
3 - Ohnsorg F. A Cost Analysis of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation in Cystic Fibrosis. AM J Respir and Crit Care Med 1994; 149(4): A669.

4 - Plioplys AV, Lewis S, Kasnicka I. Pulmonary vest therapy in pediatric long-term care. Journal of the American Medical Director’s Association 2002 Sep-Oct; 3 (5): 318-321.