Below is a summary of ongoing research projects that are being led by Dr. Jon here at Respiratory Quality Services. 

Dr. Jon's top priority over the last two years has been the use of graphic waveform interpretation to improve Cough Peak Flow while using the Cough Assist device. For neuro muscular patients with progressive loss of respiratory muscle strength, one of the primary treatments that help them remain independent and hospital free is the use of the CAD to help clear their lung of secretions. The lung normally produces secretions that are part of the normal filtering mechanisms. If the secretions cannot be cleared, then infection begins to develop, and they end up in the hospital with pneumonia. 

Related to the above, our team is the first to implement a pressure titration strategy to prevent upper airway collapse in bulbar patients when using the CAD..

As a result of the above research, RQS is leading the nation in improving Peak Cough Flow (PCF) using graphic interpretation associated with the CAD. We are the first company in the Global market to utilize graphic interpretation to customize the CAD settings.

Using published scientific techniques, we have developed a method using the CAD. For Lung Volume Recruitment (LVR); we call this technique Long Slow Deep -using the critical opening pressure for collapsed lung and extending the Inspiration Phase of the breath to achieve and maintain lung recruitment.. This allows neuromuscular patients, for the first time, to independently hyperinflate their lung, re-expanding collapsed/atelectatic lung and improving lung and chest wall compliance. Traditionally LVR has been done by stacking breaths using a resuscitation bag or occluding the expiratory port on breaths delivered by a ventilator. The former technique with the resuscitation bag requires the presence of a care giver to squeeze the bag, whereas, the use of the cough assist device to deliver the breath allows the patient more independence. 

Our team is currently collecting clinical data using the new Oscillator Function of the CAD T-70, but using settings identified by our research for maximizing the transmission of the pressure impulse and promoting clearance using the mechanism of collateral ventilation.