Lung flute copes with COPD.

• Position: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Respiration - Brief article

A new easy-to-use device is providing relief to patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The handheld Lung Flute employs sound-wave technology to break up mucus in the lungs. It is distributed by Medical Acoustics, a Western New York firm that has partnered with the University at Buffalo (N.Y.) on research and development.

"It's successful because its relieving congestion in people's lungs," remarks Sharon Raymond, a business development consultant for Medical Acoustics. "For individuals with COPD, ifs not just a regular cough, it can be congestion on a daily basis. Imagine starting your...