Effects of Ventilator Hyperinflation Versus Vibrocompression in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

In ventilator hyperinflation volume control mode, the ventilator will be set to eight breaths per minute, and the tidal volume will be increased to deliver hyperinflation breaths that are 15 ml/kg, as will be calculated using the predicted body weight. Tidal volume will be increased in 150-ml increments until a peak airway pressure of 40 cmH2O is achieved. Once this pressure is reached, eight mechanical breaths will be delivered to the patient. After this, the ventilator will be reset to pretreatment variables, and the patient will be rested for 30 s. The sequence will be repeated. The treatment will consist of five sets of eight ventilator hyperinflation breaths.

Vibrocompression will be performed by the physical therapist to produce vibration and will be combined with compression of the patient's chest in the expiratory phase. Every vibrocompression will be interrupted at the end of each expiratory phase to allow free inspiration.

Percussion, Postural Drainage, and Suction