This page explains about RC-Cornet® and what to expect when your child comes to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
What is an RC-Cornet®?
The RC-Cornet® (see picture) is part of a treatment to help people who have difficulty clearing sputum (phlegm) from their lungs. The equipment consists of a mouthpiece, a hose, a curved tube, a sound damper (all of which are already assembled), a plastic insertion tool to use with storage, and a spatula to aid drying and opening of the hose.
How does the RC-Cornet® work?
When you breathe out through the RC-Cornet® pressure builds up in your lungs. This helps to keep your airways wide open and also allows air to get behind sputum and help move it upwards. The vibrations transmitted through the chest wall by the action of the hose also help to loosen sputum from the sides of your airways.
Using the RC-Cornet®
Your physiotherapist will show you how to use the RC-Cornet®. This guide is a reminder for you.
The RC-Cornet® can be held at any angle during treatment.
- Treatment can be carried out in sitting or any postural drainage position.
- Relax your stomach muscles and take a few normal breaths before using the RC-Cornet®.
- Close your lips around the mouthpiece of the RC-Cornet®, making sure there is a good seal.
- Take a slightly bigger breath in through your nose and then blow out through the RC-Cornet®. You may feel vibrations on your chest wall.
- Repeat eight to ten times.
- Following this, you should put the RC-Cornet® down and do huffing and coughing to clear any sputum. You should then have a period of relaxed breathing before continuing.
This cycle should continue for 15 to 20 minutes or until you have cleared all your sputum.
The pressure and flow can be altered by twisting the mouthpiece. By changing from positions one through four, the twist on the hose is increased, thereby creating a larger pressure oscillation.
Risks of using the RC-Cornet®
As with all airway clearance devices it is very important that equipment is kept clean to prevent infection.There have been no reported problems with the use of the RC-Cornet® or any other airway clearance techniques.
However, if you are worried about your child's chest, especially if they become short of breath, have chest pain or are coughing up blood, it is important that you contact the CF team at GOSH without delay.
Cleaning the RC-Cornet®
After each use:
- leave to air by removing the hose
- insert the spatula into the hose and dry
- allow the outer casing to air dry
Daily:
- Take apart and insert the spatula into the hose
- wash in warm soapy water and then rinse with clean water
- leave to air dry
Contact details
- GOSH switchboard: 020 7405 9200
- CF team: extension 2328 or 0433
- Respiratory physiotherapist: ask for bleep 0464
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: March 2010
Ref: 2009F0598 © GOSH Trust March 2010
Compiled by Physiotherapy Department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group.
This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
