Ask the Doctor: Will the Dechoker Cause Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema (NPPE)?

Question:

Will the Dechoker anti-choking device cause negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE)? 

Answer:

The following answer was provided by Dr. Christopher Rumana, M.D., a board-certified neurological surgeon and member of the Dechoker Medical Advisory Team.

“Use of the Dechoker device will not cause negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE). NPPE is a form of pulmonary edema that occurs as a result of severely negative intrathoracic pressures being generated in an attempt to overcome an upper airway obstruction. A Google search of "Negative airway pressure causing pulmonary edema" will lead to excellent explanation of this syndrome.

The Dechoker device will cause negative pressures in the oropharynx to aspirate or suction the foreign body airway obstruction and thus allow normal respiration to occur. The Dechoker will not cause negative intrathoracic pressure, and therefore will not contribute to NPPE. As soon as the obstruction is removed the airway will be open and air will flow through the respiratory system. Therefore, the highly negative intrathoracic pressures occurring when the airway obstruction is occurring will be essentially immediately relieved upon successful use of Dechoker.”

Dr. Rumana also provided the following insight:

• Dechoker will not cause NPPE because the negative pressures caused by Dechoker are in the oropharynx. NPPE is caused by negative intrathoracic pressures and Dechoker will not cause negative intrathoracic pressure.
• There is no number of pulls with Dechoker that could cause NPPE. Dechoker does not cause negative intrathoracic pressure. 
• Dechoker works in the oropharynx.
• The geographical limit of structures affected by Dechoker includes the oropharynx down to the level of the airway obstruction.
• Dechoker would be suctioning air out of the oropharynx, but as the obstruction is dislodged and the airway is open the seal of Dechoker with the face will be broken and normal airflows will occur.

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