American heart journal
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American heart journal · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialIncentive spirometry with expiratory positive airway pressure reduces pulmonary complications, improves pulmonary function and 6-minute walk distance in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
The use of the incentive spirometry (IS) with expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is not well established. This study sought to determine the effects of IS+EPAP after CABG. ⋯ In patients undergoing CABG, IS+EPAP results in improved pulmonary function and 6-minute walk distance as well as a reduction in PPC.