Patients are able to remain mobile while wearing the AffloVest®, allowing them to live a more active life. Photo courtesy of International Biophysics Corporation of Austin, TX.
At Independence Plus, Inc. (IPI), our mission is to provide exemplary care and services for people at home with complex medical and respiratory needs. To help us reach that goal, we offer the latest state-of-the-art equipment that allows our patients to live their best possible lives. One such product is AffloVest®, the first fully mobile, battery-operated High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) vest.
Patients with severe respiratory diseases such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and other neuromuscular diseases can benefit from this physician-prescribed treatment, according to the manufacturer, International Biophysics Corporation of Austin, TX.
By applying vibrations at different frequencies to the chest wall, the AffloVest® closely mimics manual Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), promoting airway clearance and lung secretion mobilization. Eight built-in oscillating modules are anatomically placed to target the lobes of the lung and allow for targeted customized treatment plans using a digital controller.
AffloVest® is covered under most insurance plans and because it weighs only around eight pounds, patients are able to move around and perform daily activities while receiving treatments, which allows them to live a more active life.
After less than three months of use, IPI’s patient, Sal, age 13, has experienced many positive improvements in respiratory function. Sal’s mother, Marie, works in home health and hospice care and said she decided to have Sal try the AffloVest® after seeing its success first-hand with other patients.
IPI patient Sal, 13, sits with his mother Marie in their Chicago home. Sal has experienced improved respiratory health while using AffloVest® for the past few months.
“I have seen it help patients I have worked with. So the last time Sal was admitted for an upper respiratory infection, we decided it was time to try this,” Marie said. “He can walk with help but he’s not fully mobile, so as far as upper respiratory infections and moving his bowels, it’s always been a challenge. The AffloVest® has made a big difference in both areas. We are supposed to use it twice a day and if he doesn’t use it even one of those times, you can really tell a difference in the amount of mucus and congestion. It’s really been great for him and I absolutely recommend it to others.”
Independence Plus, Inc. CEO, Danilo Coité MD, says they are now using this device for several of their patients and are also offering it to people who are not receiving other services and equipment from the company. “Being mobile while receiving this type of therapy not only improves patients’ respiratory health, but also their quality of life. We have seen it benefit our patients and we are excited to offer it to anyone who may need it,” Coité said.
About AffloVest®:
AffloVest® is a product of International Biophysics Corporation, a global medical device manufacturer and a pioneer of mechanical oscillation vest therapy. The AffloVest has received the FDA’s 510k clearance for U.S. market availability, and is approved for Medicare and private health insurance reimbursement. It requires a doctor’s prescription for treatment by High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO).
About Independence Plus, Inc.:
For more than 30 years, IPI has been a leading provider of in-home nursing, rehabilitation, and high-tech respiratory services and equipment in Chicagoland. We are certified by Medicare, licensed by the State of Illinois, and accredited by CHAP. To learn more visit www.independenceplus.com.
To inquire about AffloVest® at IPI, call (708) 366-4500 and ask for a Patient Services Representative.
AffloVest®, photo courtesy of International Biophysics Corporation of Austin, TX.