Dimensionless simulation study on mechanical in-exsufflation secretion clearance systems with a volume-controlled ventilation function

Abstract

Secretion clearance is an important respiratory treatment for patients, who cannot cough out secretion spontaneously. Aiming at the disadvantages of existing secretion clearance technologies, in this article, we proposed two mechanical in-exsufflation secretion clearance systems (namely, pressure-controlled secretion clearance system and volume-controlled secretion clearance system) with a volume-controlled ear. To illustrate the dynamic characteristics of the two secretion clearance systems, a dimensionless mathematical model of the two secretion clearance systems was set up. After that the mathematical model was verified through experimental studies. To improve the efficiency and security of secretion clearance of the two secretion clearance systems, secretion clearance airflow dynamics of the two secretion clearance systems were studied and compared. Finally, influences of key parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the two secretion clearance systems are obtained. This article lays a foundation for the optimization of the two secretion clearance systems.