Pulmonary function test induction jacket - A device that reduces effort-related challenges during the forced vital capacity manoeuvre

The pulmonary function test (PFT) induction jacket was invented to make the process of performing the forced vital capacity (FVC) manoeuvre with a computerized spirometer effortless and productive for both the patient and the medical practitioner. The jacket is composed of three layers of PVC material sealed together to form a single jacket with two chambers. The inner chamber is formed between the inner layer and the middle layer, in which cold water at a temperature of 10 °C is circulated using a connected water unit when triggered. Similarly, the outer chamber is formed between the middle layer and the outer layer, in which air is pressurized using a connected air unit. Thirty volunteers performed the FVC manoeuvre with and without wearing the jacket. There was no difference between the results in spirometry parameters in the participants without a jacket and those with a jacket. However, use of the jacket significantly reduced the number of trials the participants had to undergo to successfully perform spirometry. The jacket has automated the FVC manoeuvre by triggering a physiological inspiratory gasp using cold water and circumscribing pressurised air for expiration. Additionally, subsequent advancements in the jacket have been suggested.