Efficacy of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure Device in Post Thoracic Surgery Patients

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary complications are common after cardiac surgery such as reduction of oxygen saturation, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and pleural effusions. Pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery result in prolonged hospitalization and increase in healthcare cost, patients have limited homeostatic reserve associated with chronic heart failure, pulmonary illness and multiple comorbidities. Aim of Study:To investigate the effect of bubble positive expiratory pressure device on arterial blood gases and chest expansion measurement in post thoracic surgery patients.Patients and Methods: Fifty-two (52) male and female patients after thoracic surgery their age 50-75 years; randomly allocated into equal two groups. Group A (control group) received conventional treatment including diaphragmatic breathing exercises and pursed lip breathing exercises, Group B (study group) received conventional treatment and bubble positive expiratory pressure device. The treatment was applied two times per day for one week. Arterial blood gases measured by arterial blood gases device and chest expansion measured by tape measurement preand post-treatment. Results:The study group (B) showed statistical significance reduction in partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO 2 ) and improvement in partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO 2 ) and arterial oxygen saturation (SAT) than control group (A). There was no significance difference in acid-base balance of the blood (PH), concentration of bicarbonate in arterial blood (HCO 3 ) and chest expansion measurement between study group (B) and control group (A). Conclusion:Bubble positive expiratory pressure device and conventional treatment improve PaO 2 and SAT and reduces PaCO 2 in patients after thoracic surgeries than conventional treatment alone.