Respiratory Rehabilitation

Respiratory Rehabilitation for Hospitalized Patients (Inpatient)

Many diseases treated in neuromotor rehabilitation programs at Santa Lucia Foundation, are often accompanied by evidence of impaired lung function. This is the case, for example, of serious vascular brain injury, head trauma, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

As such, The Santa Lucia Hospital has a Respiratory Rehabilitation Service, to assist the patient with bronchial deficit with bronchial unblocking techniques, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. The non-invasive mechanical ventilation does not require direct access to the lower airways, while for tracheostomized patients a more invasive procedure may be necessary to create an artificial airway.

Cough Assist Mechanical In-Exufflator

Patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders may present problems in voluntarily performing cough. This impairment makes impossible to clear secretions accumulated which can cause infections and pneumonia outbreaks. For this type of patients the Respiratory Rehabilitation Service is equipped with the Cough Assist Mechanical In-Exsufflator. It is used during respiratory kinesiotherapy sessions to unblock bronchia. The equipment works by utilizing alternative phases of positive and negative pressure, which together produce a sequence of coughing higher than that obtained with manual maneuvers. When the patient's clinical condition is stabilized, the patient is gradually weaned from the mechanical support.

Respiratory Rehabilitation for Outpatient

The Respiratory Rehabilitation Service is also available on an outpatient basis.

➤   Visit the Pneumology Outpatient Clinic.