Abstract: A high pressure inflation system for driving an inflatable heart assistance device. The system includes a fluid source for supplying a fluid at a relatively high pressure and a compression tank plumbed in selective communication with the pneumatic source. The compression tank is operative to store a predetermined volume of the pressurized fluid at approximately the high pressure created by the fluid source. A transfer valve is disposed downstream of the compression tank and is coupled to the heart assistance device. The compression tank and transfer valve are maintained in close proximal relation to the heart assistance device with the transfer valve being responsive to predetermined signals to expose the heart assistance device to the compression tank pressure and expand the device to compress and assist the heart.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation method and apparatus that is adapted to performing high-impulse CPR includes providing a chamber having an expandable volume and a patient-contacting pad that moves as a function of volume of the chamber and supplying a controlled quantity of a fluid to the chamber. This results in increasing the chamber volume by a controlled amount, thereby compressing the patient's chest with the patient-contacting pad during a systolic phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing cardio-plumonary resuscitation with active reshaping of a patient's chest are disclosed. A piston positioned near a patient's sternum is intermittently activated to produce cycles of direct compression on the patient's heart while an annular collar is simultaneously placed securely around a patient's thoracic cavity to limit the circumferential changes in the thoracic cavity. The combination of the annular collar and piston combine to direct blood flow both by direct cardiac compression/decompression and by varying the intrathoracic cavity pressure. The annular collar can be formed by a single non-extensible membrane or by a non-extensible outer membrane and an extensible inner membrane with a bladder therebetween filled with a substantially non-compressible fluid.