New to the European market
BiWaze Clear is now available in Europe with CE marking. The device delivers three therapies that were often previously applied separately, in one closed system: lung expansion, secretion mobilisation and aerosol delivery. For hospitals and home care, this means one device instead of several separate components, from the hospital to home care.
What the three therapies in the device are
The sequence is staged. Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy (PEP, a therapy that builds up pressure on exhalation) first builds pressure and opens collapsed areas of the lung. Oscillating therapy (OSC, oscillation therapy that loosens secretions through vibration) then follows immediately, to loosen mobilised secretion. Nebulisation can be coupled into either phase.
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PEP phase
Continuous positive expiratory pressure expands the lungs and creates the conditions for the oscillation that follows.
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Oscillation phase (OSC)
Applied directly after expansion, to mobilise retained secretion while the airways are open.
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Aerosol delivery
An integrated vibrating mesh nebuliser (a nebuliser that uses a vibrating mesh to produce fine aerosol) delivers medication aerosol, coupled to the PEP and OSC phases, without needing a separate step.
The closed circuit
One point where BiWaze Clear differs from open systems is the separation of the inhalation and exhalation paths via a dual filter and ventilation tubing. Each path carries its own sensors for pressure and flow, which continuously adjust the programmed therapy. The device has a touchscreen for programming and can be used with a mouthpiece, face mask, tracheal adapter, or even in-line during ventilation.
What is new compared with BiWaze Cough
Where BiWaze Cough is designed for mechanical insufflation-exsufflation to support coughing, BiWaze Clear addresses a different clinical problem: lung expansion, secretion mobilisation via oscillation and aerosol therapy in one device. The indications differ; one device does not replace the other.
Sources
[1] BiWaze Clear User Manual, Funktionsprinzip, Therapiephasen (PEP/OSC), Aerosolabgabe, Touchscreen-Bedienung, Therapieprofile
Note
This article is provided for professional information and does not replace clinical judgement. Statements on device settings are orientation only; the device's instructions for use and the assessment of the treating clinician prevail.
Frequently asked questions
Is BiWaze Clear already available in Europe?
Yes. BiWaze Clear carries CE marking and is now available through the European partner network, indicated for lung expansion, secretion mobilisation and aerosol delivery.
Is BiWaze Clear a replacement for BiWaze Cough?
No. BiWaze Cough supports a weakened or ineffective cough through mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. BiWaze Clear addresses lung expansion, secretion mobilisation via oscillation and aerosol therapy. The two devices serve different clinical situations.
Does the patient need to actively participate in the therapy?
No. The device delivers the therapy without requiring the patient's active participation.
How many therapy profiles can be stored on the device?
Up to ten therapy profiles per patient can be programmed and stored on the touchscreen.
Interested in BiWaze Clear for your clinic or care network? Contact us, we would be glad to arrange a product demonstration or connect you with your local partner.
Should this article differ from the manual, the manual takes precedence. Information on selecting settings does not replace a clinical decision.
