Patent ID: 6176235
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
Device for improving the extraction of bronchial mucus during exhalation through modification of its theological properties, comprising:a recipient (3);a pump (4) for creating a gradual pressure drop (negative pressure) compared to atmospheric pressure in the recipient (3);supply means including a flexible tube (2) communicating with said recipient (3) and a respiratory mask (1) connected to said flexible tube (2) for transmitting the gradual pressure drop to the entire pulmonary volume of a patient; andmeans for generating oscillatory variations of said gradual pressure drop, said generating means including a tube (7) with a length (l) and an orifice (13) of diameter (d) communicating with the atmosphere and said recipient (3),wherein said generating means is operable to provide sudden cyclical pressure variations of increasing amplitude and frequency adjustable to the thixotropic frequency of pulmonary mucus through periodic closure of said tube (7).