The effects of chest physiotherapy and tracheobronchial suctioning on tcPO2 in mechanically ventilated new-born infants

Abstract

This research project was planned to investigate the problem of hypoxaemia which occurred in the neonatal age group as a result of chest physiotherapy. The study was conducted on mechanically ventilated infants under the age of one month. Nine studies were carried out, these being divided into 3 categories: ( I) The assessment studies, which were planned to investigate the effect of the existing method of chest physiotherapy to tcP0₂ (transcutaneous oxygen tension). From the results it was clear that there was a need for revision in the existing method. (2) The preliminary studies were designed to establish the optimum levels in the following components of chest physiotherapy: the correct oxygen concentration for hyperventilation during chest physiotherapy: the correct suction pressure for tracheobronchial suctioning in the neonate: the most suitable manual ventilation system for the neonate. (3) The findings of the preliminary studies were used to formulate an upgraded method. This method was tested against the new method which involved the use of a mechanical vibrator. It was found that excessive handling of the infant exposed it to significant falls in tcP0₂.