Effects of Active Cycle of Breathing Technique on Pulmonary Functions After CABG During Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgery in which new routes are created around narrow and blocked coronary arteries, that allow proper flow of blood to provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles. The grafts used in CABG can be a vein from lower extremity or any artery of chest. CABG is a surgery in which obstructed coronary arteries are replaced with autologous arteries and veins used as implant, which are fully or moderately congested by atherosclerotic plaque. ACBT is a method used to clear out the secretion from the chest. The purpose of ACBT treatment is to remove secretions from the chest that helps to reduce the frequency of infection, which control the additional airway impairment and worsening the lungs functions that may help in reducing the rate of progress of lung disease. After CABG surgery respiratory therapy is used rationally to inhibit the post-operative complications. Respiratory physiotherapy is routinely used in the prevention and treatment of post-operative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The ultimate goal of physiotherapy in CABG patient is to improve increase lung volume, prevent atelectasis, enhance ventilation-perfusion matching, to increase sputum clearance, and decrease pain. ACBT technique can perform independently by patient with about applying manual technique. ACBT is very effective to improve oxygen saturation, control respiratory rate, and chest clearance after major surgeries. The efficiency of ACBT treatment has been checked out in stable cystic fibrosis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and abdominal surgery. However, there is limited literature related to its use in patients after CABG surgery. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of ACBT versus conventional chest physiotherapy after CABG surgery.

In 2018 a study was conducted on effect of ACBTs in post coronary artery bypass grafting patient and he concluded that ACBTs technique is a better way of treatment in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery patients. The determination of this research was to calculate the effectiveness of ACBT in CABG surgery patients. In this study total 15 patients were involved. All the patients were checked out by visual analogue scale for pain, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for endurance and chest expansion was also measured. It concluded that chest expansion and 6MWT was improved in both groups.

ACBT is an effective technique implemented by the patient to secrete out the sputum from the main airway. The ACBT technique is combined breathing maneuvers to advance the efficiency of cough, untie and clear the secretions and increase the ventilation.

In 2016 a study was conducted observed the effects of ACBTs in post CABG surgery patients and The ACBTs treatment decrease the intensity of pulmonary impairments in post abdominal surgery.There is limited data available in support of effects of ACBTs on pulmonary functions after CABG surgery.

In 2015 a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ACBTs on chest expansion, arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate and other vitals in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during 1st phase of cardiac rehab after CABG surgery. It concluded that ACBT are much effective than routine physiotherapy protocol in patients who have gone under coronary artery bypass grafting.