Aerosol Delivery During Continuous High Frequency Oscillation for Simulated Adults During Quiet and Distressed Spontaneous Breathing

Abstract

Background: Continuous high-frequency oscillation (CHFO) is a therapeutic mode for the mobilization of secretions. The Metaneb CHFO device also incorporates aerosol administration using an integrated jet nebulizer. However, the effectiveness of aerosol delivery and influential factors remain largely unreported.

Methods: A collecting filter was placed between an adult manikin with a representative upper airway and a breath simulator, set to simulate quiet and distressed patterns of spontaneous adult breathing. The Metaneb CHFO device was attached to the manikin via a mask. Two jet nebulizers were tested in 2 different positions: placement in the manifold and placement between manifold and mask. A vibrating mesh nebulizer was placed between the manifold and mask with and without extension tubing. Aerosol administration was compared during CHFO and during nebulization mode alone. Albuterol (2.5 mg in 3 mL) was nebulized for each condition. The drug was eluted from the filter and assayed with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (276 nm).

Results: During CHFO, inhaled doses with jet nebulizers were low (∼ 2%), regardless of nebulizer placement. Inhaled dose was improved with the vibrating mesh nebulizer placed between the manifold and mask (12.48 ± 2.24% vs 2.58 ± 0.48%, P = .004). Inhaled doses with the jet nebulizer in the manifold with nebulization mode alone was lower than with the jet nebulizer with an aerosol mask (4.03 ± 1.82% vs 10.39 ± 2.79%, P = .004). Inhaled dose was greater with distressed breathing than quiet breathing. The use of a vibrating mesh nebulizer (P < .001) and distressed breathing (P = .001) were identified as predictors of increased inhaled dose.

Conclusions: Inhaled dose with a jet nebulizer via the Metaneb CHFO device was lower than with a jet nebulizer alone. Placement of a vibrating mesh nebulizer at the airway and distressed breathing increased inhaled dose.

Keywords: Continuous high-frequency oscillation; inhalation therapy; inhaled dose; vibrating mesh nebulizer.