Effects of Using Acapella in Combination With Conventional Chest Physiotherapy Techniques to Improve Pulmonary Functions in Post CABG Patients.

Acapella is one of the Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device used in mobilization of peripheral secretions to the central trachea. It consists of a mouth piece and metal strip that is attached to a magnet which oscillates upon exhalation of the patient into the device results in oscillations. This helps in generating positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oscillations of the magnetic ball assist in mucus collection and expectoration. Pulmonary functions are greatly reduced in patients undergone CABG surgery due to prolong effects of anesthesia and muscle relaxants administered prior to surgery. Ciliary motion along the pathway of pulmonary tract is depressed which results in decrease expectoration capacity, causes mucus retention and reduces pulmonary volumes and capacities. Chest physiotherapy is the treatment option for such patients that is being practiced over years. In recent years certain respiratory aids or devices are also in use to relieve secretion retention along with standard chest physiotherapy techniques. The purpose of this study is to find the effects of using Acapella as an OPEP device along with conventional chest physiotherapy techniques in post-CABG surgery patients to relieve mucus retention and improving pulmonary functions post-surgery.