Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation

Chest Wall Oscillation in Acute Respiratory Failure Utilizing the Hayek Oscillator
M.R. Bennett, M.D., K.E. Blair, RRT, P.C. Fiehler, M.D., L.R. Kline, M.D.
Division of pulmonary Medicine, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh
"Nine consecutive patients in acute respiratory failure (ARF) were ventilated non-invasively using the Hayek
Oscillator. The frequencies used were confined to at or below the current FDA approved rates of 60 cycles/minute
(1 Hz). Three patients (33%) were complete responders, demonstrating a reduction in Pco 2
, an increase in
oxygenation and improved overall appearance. All members of this class avoided conventional mechanical
ventilation (CMV) and were the only patients in this study to survive the hospital stay. Three others were classified
as partial responders. The Hayek Oscillator allowed non-invasive stabilization of this group while deciding on
future care options. Three other patients in the non-responding group failed to tolerate the chest cuirass.
We conclude that the Hayek Oscillator, at frequencies up to 1
Hz, is capable of providing adequate ventilation in a subset of
patients in ARF, avoiding or delaying tracheal intubation.
This was accomplished in a manner that was non-invasive,
safe and comfortable."
American Review of Respiratory Disease International Conference Supplement, Volume 147, Number 4,
April 1993