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Devices designed for non-invasive, automated assist in removing secretions from the lower respiratory tract (i.e., enhancing secretion clearance from the airways); some units are also intended for treating incomplete expansion of the lungs (i.e., atelectasis). These units may use one or more of different techniques, including the application of positive pressure to the airways opening, high-frequency oscillation (HFO) of the air column in the conducting airways, and external high-frequency compression to the chest wall. Airway clearance units are frequently used in acute or chronically ill patients for replacing and/or in addition to traditional procedures, such as postural drainage, manual percussion, or mechanical aspiration of the airways.
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