Combined Use of Respiratory Devices After Thoracic Surgery

Efficacy on Combined Use of Respiratory Devices RESPILIFT® and RESPIVOL® in Adult Cardio-thoracic Surgery Patients. Randomized-controlled Study

In a rehabilitation setting, respiratory muscle training with re-expansion techniques in patients following cardio-thoracic surgery represents a consolidated intervention. New devices called RESPILIFT® and RESPIVOl® improve deep inspiration and pulmonary volume with an effect on respiratory muscle performance and perceived dispnoea. The aim of the investigators study is to test the clinical efficacy of RESPILIFT® and RESPIVOl® in patients with a recent history of cardio-thoracic surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years old
• recent cardio-thoracic surgery (< 30 days of admission)
• compliance to pulmonary rehabilitation program

Exclusion Criteria:

• clinical instability
• concomitant severe co-morbidities
• inability to use respiratory devices