Buzz
Voldyne 5000 stands as a widely used incentive spirometer, serving the purpose of enhancing lung function post-surgery. By aiding in the expansion of lung air sacs, it facilitates deep breathing, ensuring optimal lung clearance. Effective utilization can expedite overall recovery and minimize the risk of post-operative complications such as pneumonia.
Procedures
Initial Setup
Confirm the target volume. When employing the Voldyne 5000 under healthcare supervision, the assigned healthcare provider typically establishes a specific target.
- The Voldyne 5000 offers a range of target volumes from 250 to 2500 ml, ensuring compatibility with varying lung capacities. Your designated target should fall within this range, reflecting your lung's air intake capacity.
- While it's advisable to commence with a predetermined volume goal, it's not mandatory during the initial usage. Subsequent adjustments to the target can be made based on your performance in subsequent sessions.
Adjust the marker. Locate the yellow marker tab positioned on the side of the tall graduated tube. Slide the tab up or down until it aligns with your desired target.
- If you're not setting a target for your initial attempt, there's no need to adjust the marker yet. However, you'll need to do so in subsequent sessions.
Sit upright. Position yourself at the edge of your bed or chair with an erect posture. You may lean slightly forward if preferred, but ensure you avoid slouching or hunching over.
- Similarly, avoid tilting your head backward.
- If unable to reach the edge of the bed, sit as upright as possible. Adjusting a hospital bed's headrest can aid in achieving the proper sitting position.
Hold the Voldyne 5000 upright. Maintain the device in an upright stance with all labels facing you.
- Ensure the device remains level for accurate readings and proper functionality.
- Keep the marker tab, goal piston, and main piston within clear view. Note that the goal piston, denoted by a yellow cylinder, is located below the 'Good, Better, Best' label, while the main piston appears as a large white disc at the base of the cylinder.
Utilizing the Voldyne 5000
Exhale. Naturally release air from your lungs, expelling as much as possible.
- Exhale through your mouth to ensure efficient air expulsion.
- Complete exhalation is crucial for accurate results and effective inhalation during subsequent breaths.
Insert the mouthpiece into your mouth. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
- Adjust your tongue to prevent obstruction of the mouthpiece.
- It's crucial to maintain a tight seal with your lips to ensure accurate measurements. Otherwise, air from outside the Voldyne 5000 may affect the results.
Breathe in slowly. Inhale deeply and steadily until you reach your target or can't inhale any further.
- If your lips create a tight seal, the inhalation should feel like sipping a thick liquid through a straw.
- Observe the goal piston moving between 'Good,' 'Better,' and 'Best.' A slow, steady inhalation yields better results, aiming for the 'Better' to 'Best' range. This allows your lungs more time to expand fully.
- Monitor the main piston, ensuring it reaches the target marked by the yellow pointer. Let the piston rise naturally; avoid forcing it.
Pause for 3 to 5 seconds. After inhaling, hold your breath for at least 3 seconds.
- Observe the main piston as it gradually returns to its starting position. Once it does, proceed to the next step.
Exhale normally. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out comfortably.
- Ensure complete exhalation as before.
- If fatigued, take a few normal breaths before proceeding, but end with an exhale before moving on.
Adjust the marker. Unless advised otherwise, move the plastic indicator to the highest point reached during the session.
- This allows you to set a new goal based on your lung capacity. Use this adjusted mark as your new target for subsequent exercises.
Follow instructions. Adhere to the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, perform this routine 10 to 15 times in one session.
- If no specific number is assigned, aim for at least 10 repetitions. Stop if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
- Avoid rushing through the process. Take breaks as needed and breathe normally between repetitions. If feeling dizzy, extend the rest period.
- Adjust the goal marker upward after each session, but only if you surpass the previous goal. Do not lower the marker unless instructed by your medical professional.
Clear your throat. After completing the routine, take deep breaths and cough two or three times.
- Coughing helps expel mucus from your lungs, facilitating easier breathing.
- If you had chest or abdominal surgery or experience discomfort while coughing, support the area with a pillow or folded blanket. This aids in reducing pain at the incision site.
Continuing Treatment
Maintain hygiene. After each use, clean the mouthpiece thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse and dry with paper towels.
- Alternatively, sanitize the mouthpiece with an antiseptic mouth rinse.
- Ensure all soap residue is rinsed off before reuse.
- The standard mouthpiece of the Voldyne 5000 is intended for repeated use. Replace disposable mouthpieces every 24 hours.
Continue throughout the day. Repeat the procedure every one to two hours, following the advice of your healthcare team.
- However, limit sessions to waking hours to allow for adequate rest and recovery.
Maintain a log of your progress. Although not mandatory, it's advisable to keep a record of your Voldyne 5000 usage. Note the time, number of repetitions, and achieved volume for each session.
- This log helps track lung improvement and changes in functionality.
- While your healthcare provider may also keep records, maintaining your own ensures you can monitor your progress independently.
Stay active. Once you're able to move safely, engage in light walking between spirometer sessions. Take deep breaths and cough while walking.
- Walking and coughing simultaneously can enhance lung clearance and improve breathing comfort.
Pointers
Caution
- If you experience lung or incision-related discomfort, inform your caregiver promptly. Breathing deeply may be challenging while in pain.
- Alert your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Discontinue use until symptoms resolve.
- If using the Voldyne 5000 at home, seek medical assistance immediately if you encounter unusual chest pain or have difficulty breathing post-procedure.
