Cough Assist T70 - Philips

Cough Assist Therapy for Airway Clearance

The CoughAssist T70 from Philips Respironics is an airway clearance device that mimics natural coughing in patients with an impaired cough ability. Cough assist therapy first applies positive pressure to deliver a large breath to the lungs. It then rapidly applies negative pressure to pull secretions from the lungs. The rapid shift to negative pressure results in a high expiratory flow that simulates the mechanics of a deep natural cough.

The CoughAssist T70 belongs to a category of devices called mechanical insufflator exsufflators. The patient receives a deep breath during the insufflation phase and a forced cough during the exsufflation phase.

A physician may recommend airway clearance therapy for a patient who is unable to mobilize or clear secretions due to diaphragm weakness or a weak cough. Patient populations who benefit from therapy with the CoughAssist T70 may include patients with neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, or ALS. Cough assist therapy is also commonly ordered for patients who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries. Patients with diseases that produce an abundance of sputum, such as bronchiectasis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis, may also benefit from cough assist therapy if they have weak coughs.

Patients only receive cough assisted therapy intermittently. The physician prescribes a certain number of treatments per day or orders it as needed. The physician also orders the specific pressures to be applied during both phases of the breath cycle. The therapy is delivered through a tightly fitting face mask, a mouth-piece, or via a tracheostomy tube. Masks for use with cough assist therapy are available here.

During the treatment, the patient should sit as upright as possible to support secretion removal. The therapy cough cycle includes an inhalation, exhalation, and a pause time. Patients complete four to six cough cycles and then rest for 20-30 seconds. After the rest period, the patient receives another four to six sets of four to six cough cycles with rest periods. The CoughAssist T70 is very effective at pulling out secretions so users and caregivers should be prepared with tissues, washcloths, and suction supplies.

The CoughAssist T70 can be programmed to work manually or automatically. In manual mode, the patient or caregiver flips a switch to the right to deliver a deep breath. The breath is delivered using a preset positive pressure over two to three seconds. The user then moves the switch to the left to deliver the forced exhalation. The forced exhalation is delivered at a preset negative pressure over two to three seconds. An optional foot pedal control is also available to use to cycle from inhalation to exhalation.

In automatic mode, the user dials in prescribed settings for the inhalation and exhalation. CoughTrak is an optional setting that detects when the patient is starting to inhale. When CoughTrak is in use, the CoughAssist T70 automatically delivers the breath and forced exhalation using programmed settings. CoughTrak synchronizes with the patient for greater comfort.

When introducing cough assist therapy for the first time, it can help to use lower settings initially to allow the patient to acclimate. Additionally, some patients are quite tired after cough assisted therapy. They may require additional oxygen support or longer times to recover between breaths. Patients who wear oxygen may need supplemental oxygen bled into the machine during therapy. CPAPman has the necessary oxygen enrichment adapter here: https://www.cpapman.com/oxygen-concentrators/supplies/.

CoughAssist T70 Features

• Non-Invasive Air Delivery for Less Risk and Greater Comfort – Air is delivered through face mask, mouthpiece or endotracheal or tracheotomy tube (with an adapter).
• DirectView Software for Clinical Reporting and Evaation for more effective therapy. Gives cough waveform data, short-term trends and usage patterns.
• Carrying Bag for Portability and Convenience – Can be carried on shoulder or secured to an electric wheelchair. Has space for additional battery, circuit and accessories.
• luation – Monitors peak cough flow, tidal volume and oxygen satur
• User-Friendly Interface – Push button controls and digital display; can set inhale and exhale pressures; manual and automatic modes.
• Various Power Options – AC, DC and detachable lithium-ion battery for greater flexibility; up to 4 treatments per charge.
• Cough-Trak Automatic Sensitivity – Triggering feature synchronizes device with user’s breathing pattern to enhance breath delivery and provide a more natural, comfortable treatment.
• Lightweight and Compact – Easy to transport; weight less than 9 pounds.
• Easy to Maneuver – Rolling stand holds CoughAssist or CoughAssist/Trilogy combo.
• Oximetry Accessory – Monitors oxygen saturation levels before and after treatment.
• Foot Pedal Accessory – Hands-free operation.

Default Settings and Specifications:
Presets      3
Maximum postive pressure   70 cm H20
Maximum negative pressure   -70 cm H20
Triggering   Cough-Trak on/off (not available in Manual mode)
Inspiratory time    0.0 to 5.0 sec (not available in Manual mode)
Expiratory time  
Pause Time    0.0 to 5.0 sec (not available in Manual mode or if Cough-Trak is enabled)
Inhale flow    Low, medium, high

Front

1. Left button allows you to select display options or perform certain actions specified on the screen.
2. Up/Down button allows you to navigate the display menu.
3. Right button allows you to select display options or perform certain actions specified on the screen.
4. Start/Stop button turns the device on or off.
5. Manual Switch activates the insufflation and exsufflation phases.  Pressing switch to thr right (+) activates
6. Insufflation phase.  Pressing switch to the left (-) activates the exsufflation phase.  The center position activates the pause phase.
7. Breathing circuit connection connects your circuit to this connector on the device.
8. Display Screen allows you to view settings and sytem status information.

Back

1. Fan exhaust air from inside the device is expelled her.
2. AC power inlet connects the AC power cord here.
3. Remote control connector connects the optional remote control accessory (foot pedal) here.
4. Connect a USB cable to this connector for service only.
5. SpO2 connector: If you are using the optional oximetry accessory, connect it here.
6. DC power inlet connects an external battery here using the Philips Respironics DC power cord.
7. Airpath outlet where air exits the device.
8. Airpath inlet where outside air enters the device.  Insert the filter supplied with the device here.
9. Detachable battery slot inserts optional Lithium Ion detachable battery here.
10. Tubing retainer: Route the tubing and mask through this bracket for proper tubing management when the device is not in use.

Return on warranty issues only.