Optimization of the Mechano-Acoustic Frequencer(TM) to clear airways

在与呼吸系统疾病有关的死亡人数方面，加拿大在16个同类国家中排名第8,2009年至2011年期间，平均每10万人中有63.1人死亡。Dymedso制造的频率器通过低频声波促进支气管排水。这种疗法比传统的“拍手”法（频率在20-67赫兹范围内）要温和得多。Dymedso的客户报告说，与较低或较高的频率相比，37至42赫兹的频率可以减轻粘液的清除。在最近的一项研究中，Boffito教授的研究小组发现，在40 Hz的频率，50%的振幅和0.5 gL-1的NaCl溶液存在下，粘液会再水化，其粘度降低30%。Dymedso现在希望扩大研究范围，在Frequencer的作用下考虑更多涉及粘膜清除的方面。该项目由Boffito教授（EPM）、Poncet教授和Micheau教授（UdeS）参与，包括实验工作和数值模拟。我们将在不同的频率、振幅和NaCl浓度下测试频率器。除了测量热物理和流变学特性外，振动试验后的滑动/剥离试验将确定粘液清除的机制。这一部分包括设计一个考虑到上述所有变量的预测流变模型（EPM）。我们将模拟人体躯干的几何细节，确定声波穿透深度，并建立胸部振动图，以可视化不同频率器操作条件（UdeS）下肺部的振动分布和粘液位移。主要成果是改进了Frequencer的设计，包括头部高度、工作功率和频率、盐水喷雾的最佳浓度（以尽量减少急性影响并使其可耐受）。该项目的成功将对患有与支气管粘液有关的呼吸系统疾病的加拿大人的健康和生活质量产生巨大影响。本项目将培养博士生2名，博士后2名，本科生9名。Dymedso将受益于新设计的Frequencer的商业化，以及对其操作方式的深刻见解。

Canada ranked 8th among 16 peer countries for deaths related to respiratory diseases, with an average of 63.1 deaths per 100 000 between 2009 and 2011. Dymedso manufactures the Frequencer that promotes bronchial drainage by low frequency sound waves. The therapy is much gentler than the traditional "clapping" method (frequency in the 20-67 Hz range). Dymedso's customers reported that a frequency between 37 to 42 Hz eases mucous clearance compared to lower or higher frequencies. In a recent study, the team of Prof. Boffito identified that at a frequency of 40 Hz, 50 % amplitude and in the presence of a NaCl solution of 0.5 gL-1, mucous rehydrates and its viscosity decreases by 30%. Dymedso now wishes to expand the scope of the research and take into consideration more aspects involved in mucous clearance under the action of the Frequencer. This project involves Prof. Boffito (EPM), Prof. Poncet and Prof. Micheau (UdeS) and consists of both experimental work and numerical modelling. We will test the Frequencer at different frequencies, amplitudes and NaCl concentrations. Besides measuring the thermophysical and rheological properties, slip/peel tests after the vibrational test will identify the mechanism of mucous clearance. This part includes designing a predictive rheological model that takes into account all the variables above (EPM). We will model geometrical details of the human torso, determine the acoustic waves penetration depth and build a chest vibration map to visualize vibration distribution and mucous displacement in the lungs at different Frequencer's operating conditions (UdeS). The main deliverable is an improved design of the Frequencer, including head height, operating power and frequency, optimal concentration of saline spray (to minimize acute effects and make it tolerable). The success of this project will have a huge impact on the health and life quality of Canadian people having a respiratory disease linked to bronchial mucus. This project will train 2 PhD students, 2 postdocs and 9 undergraduate students. Dymedso will benefit from the commercialization of the a new design of the Frequencer, as well as from the deep insights of its way of operation.