SmartVest Use Linked to Fewer Pulmonary Exacerbations, Hospitalizations in Bronchiectasis Patients, Study Shows

SmartVest Use Linked to Fewer Pulmonary Exacerbations, Hospitalizations in Bronchiectasis Patients, Study Shows

Early use of high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy using Electromed’s SmartVest Airway Clearance System is associated with a significant reduction in severe exacerbations and hospitalizations in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a new clinical study shows.

According to Electromed, this is the first study, conducted independently, to report that use of HFCWO led to “stabilization of key lung function parameters.”

The results were presented at the third annual World Bronchiectasis Conference held July 12-14 in Washington, D.C., at Georgetown University.

The results suggest that early bronchiectasis treatment using HFCWO may significantly slow disease worsening.

“We are thrilled not only by the results of this study, but the significant milestone it represents,” Kathleen Skarvan, president and CEO of Electromed, said in a press release.

“This is the first independent study to evaluate bronchiectasis-related exacerbations using HFCWO therapy. The results confirm what we’ve said all along: incorporating the SmartVest into bronchiectasis treatment significantly reduces exacerbations and improves patient outcomes,” Skarvan added.

Patients with bronchiectasis often experience severe pulmonary exacerbations, which refers to intermittent episodes of acute worsening of symptoms.

In addition to pulmonary exacerbations, patients also suffer from recurrent lower respiratory infections, inflammation, a decrease in pulmonary function, abnormal clearance of secretions in the lungs, high rates of hospitalization and medication use, and high rates of morbidity and mortality.

“Preventing exacerbations and maintaining pulmonary function is vital to the health and well-being of bronchiectasis patients,” said Chet Sievert, Electromed’s director of regulatory and clinical affairs.

“This independent study builds on previously published evidence and clearly demonstrates that bronchiectasis patients can achieve significantly better outcomes with the initiation of SmartVest therapy,” Sievert added.

The SmartVest system is based on high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO), and was developed to help clear the lungs of excess secretions, and reduce the risk of respiratory infections and hospitalizations.

HFCWO works by providing alternating pulses of air into a vest garment that quickly compresses and releases the chest wall of the user, leading to an oscillation in airflow within the lungs that helps release and drive mucus toward the major airways from which it can be expelled.

Electromed recently reported that its SmartVest Airway Clearance System can also improve patients’ quality of life and decrease the need for antibiotics to treat respiratory infections.