Evaluating the Short-term Efficacy of Two Oscillation Techniques in Hypersecretive Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Although mechanical ventilation (MV) is life-saving, it is associated with several complications. The establishment of an artificial airway impairs the cough reflex and mucociliary function, leading to the accumulation of secretions in the tracheobronchial tree. This increases the risk of pneumonia and lung atelectasis. Usual care for mechanically ventilated patients includes airway suctioning via the tracheostomy tube, which clears only a limited portion of the airway and is ineffective at removing peripheral airway secretions. To address this, airway clearance guidelines recommend various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) for mechanically ventilated patients to enhance mucus removal. However, the lack of standardized, effective evaluation criteria makes selecting the optimal ACT a challenge.