Abstract: An apparatus for high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) comprises a patient interface which includes an expandable air chamber and an air pulse generator in fluid communication with the patient interface. The air pulse generator includes a variable displacement air chamber and programmable controller which controls the air pulse generator to vary the frequency and volume of air pulses delivered to the patient interface such that HFCWO therapy may be programmed for a particular patient.

Abstract: A system for providing improved feedback on administration of CPR is disclosed. A compression sensor (14) is incorporated into a pad (12) adapted to be positioned between a rescuer's hands and a victim's chest. The compression sensor provides an output to a feedback control module (16) that records the output and segments the output into individual compression cycles that are analyzed with respect to evaluation criteria, such as those related to guidelines for effective CPR. The results of the analysis are formatted into a matrix having elements that represent the results of the analysis for an individual compression cycle with respect to an evaluation criterion. An example of the matrix elements is a graph plotting a property of compressions within one of the individual compression cycles over time. Portions of the graphs failing to satisfy one of the evaluation criteria may be highlighted.

Abstract: A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.

Abstract: The invention regards a resuscitation system which having a chest compression device to repeatedly compress the chest of a patient and thereafter cause or allow the chest to expand. A signal processor is connected to the chest compression device to control the operation of the chest compression devices. A power supply device provides electrical power to the chest compression device and the signal processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis method of a body type and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus using the same, the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus includes: a girth measuring unit that measures the victim's girth on the basis of length change of the thorax band by the length adjusting unit; a body type analyzing unit that selects an inverse formula corresponding the victim's characteristic information provided from the outside and analyzing the victim's body type by substituting the girth to the inverse formula; a control calculating unit that calculates appropriate compression depth and artificial tidal volume of the victim by substituting the body type information obtained by the body type analyzing unit to a corresponding conversion formula; and a MICOM that controls the compressing unit and the respiring unit on the basis of the compression depth and tidal volume.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products determine and identify a favorable time to deliver cardiac compression to a subject to avoid a vulnerable period of a spontaneous intrinsic cardiac cycle.

Abstract: An automatic external cardiac massage (ECM) device has a sternum compressing element and a mechanism for imparting force to the sternum compressing element, and a controller controls movement of the sternum compressing element. A position/angle altering mechanism may dynamically alter at least one of an x-y position and stroke angle of the sternum compressing element, such as during performing ECM. The force, distance, rate and duty cycle of the sternum compressing element may also be dynamically controlled. Dynamic control may be according to device operation parameters, patient's life signs or off-line data. Operational parameters and patient life signs may also be stored, for later analysis.

Abstract: A belt-type external massage (ECM) device. A “force booster” may modify force applied by the belt to a patient's chest. A compression pad, or a shock absorber, or a plunger package or a or a bladder containing a viscous or non-Newtonian fluid may be disposed between the belt and the patient's chest. The mechanism for imparting force may be a rotary motor, linear motor, solenoid or pneumatic piston. Various force-altering elements may be disposed in a drive train of the device to alter the manner in which force is applied to the patient's chest. A backboard may be provided to support the patient in a supine position and for housing various mechanical elements and mechanisms of the device. A “hybrid” device may comprise a belt and mechanism for intermittently tightening the belt, and a pneumatic tube and mechanism for intermittently pressurizing the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: A CPR apparatus includes a chest compression unit and a means for mounting the chest compression unit on a patient. The chest compression unit includes a plunger disposed in a housing. At its one end extending from the housing, the plunger has a compression member. The plunger is driven in a reciprocating manner by a reversible electromotor via a mechanical device for translating rotational motion of the motor to linear motion of the plunger or the plunger is driven by a linear induction electromotor. An electromotor control unit including a microprocessor, a first monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the housing and a second monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the mechanical device for translating rotational motion to linear motion or the rotor of the linear induction electromotor. The monitored positions are communicated to the electromotor control unit. Also disclosed is a corresponding CPR method.

Abstract: The devices and methods described below provide for a lightweight electro-mechanical chest compression device. A fully assembled chest compression device is hand-portable over long distances.

Abstract: A negative pressure ventilation system comprising a dynamically movable, multi-component artificial rib cage configured to fit snugly around the patient's own chest wall and abdomen is disclosed. The shape, dimensions and the dynamic movement of the artificial rib cage are designed to mimic those of the patient's own chest wall. The artificial rib cage includes an artificial spine to which are connected artificial ribs for forming an artificial chest wall including a sternum component. An abdominal component for placement on the patient's abdomen is connected to the chest wall component through a translating element which allows the abdominal component to move towards and away from the chest wall component. The chest wall and abdominal components cooperatively interact to allow the ventilator to move both the chest wall and abdomen during inspiration and expiration, mimicking the patient's own natural breathing pattern.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.

Abstract: A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pressure and air pulse generator located within a case mount on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the case and generator.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.

Abstract: A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pulse generator mounted on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the air pulse generator.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation assist includes a back plate and a compressing member. The back plate has two securing members mounted respectively on two sides of the back plate. The compressing member includes a mounting plate and a bladder. The mounting plate is detachably connected to the back plate and has an upper surface, a lower surface, a gas passage and two securing straps. The gas passage is formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate. The securing straps are respectively mounted on two sides of the mounting plate and respectively connected selectively to the securing members. The bladder is mounted on the lower surface of the mounting plate and communicates with the gas passage. The bladder can compress a patient's chest continuously and stably when repeatedly inflating the bladder, and this provides a good cardiac massage and prevents hurting the patient's ribs.

Abstract: A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having a flat top side as a proper position on the self-inflating bag for applying force to the top side of the self-inflating bag, a flat bottom side on the self-inflating bag for properly positioning the bag on the patient's sternum area, an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when the flat top side of the bag is pushed toward the flat bottom side of the bag, a connector connecting the bag with a tube extending from the outlet port, a headband face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose, and a second connector positioned between the tube and the face mask.

Abstract: A support frame for a CPR apparatus, in particular a gas-driven CPR apparatus, comprises one or more support elements, which can be inflated by a gas, in particular by the driving gas. The support elements have a flexible but substantially not resilient wall. Also disclosed is the combination of a CPR apparatus and the support frame.

Abstract: A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.

Abstract: Improved automatic chest compression systems which use constricting belts, repeatedly inflating bladders, or reciprocating pistons to compress the chest. A bladder is placed between the chest and the particular mechanism used to compress the chest during CPR. The bladder maximizes the effectiveness of chest compressions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion comprises sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of compressed gas used for driving a reciprocating apparatus for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprising a valve means for controlling the provision of driving gas comprises operation of the valve means during the compression phase to stop provision of driving gas, which operation is separated in time from the venting of the driving gas from the apparatus at the end of the compression phase. Also disclosed are; a CPR apparatus operated by the method; a method of compression depth sensing.

Abstract: A gas-driven chest compression apparatus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises a flexible pneumatic actuator, capable of axial contraction when fed with a pressurized driving gas, and means for controlling the contraction thereof. Also disclosed are methods of providing chest compressions to a patient by means of a CPR apparatus comprising actuator(s) of this kind, and a corresponding use of the actuator.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device for clearing breathing passages, loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a patient's sinuses, trachea, bronchial passages and lungs while a patient is breathing normally through the device is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a C shaped curved hollow housing having a closed end portion and an open threaded end portion. The open end portion forms at least part of an acoustic coupling chamber. A generally funnel shaped tapered mouthpiece tapers to a small end portion sized to be inserted into a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece forms another part of the acoustic coupling chamber. An acoustic signal generator housed within the hollow housing generates and directs acoustic vibrations into and through the coupling chamber.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation which comprises: 1) interfacing an airway system with a patient's airway, wherein the airway system includes at least a first lumen and a second lumen; 2) repeatedly performing CPR chest compressions on the patient; and simultaneously with the CPR chest compressions; 3) applying a continuous vacuum to the first lumen for a period of time ranging from 10 seconds to the end of the CPR chest compressions; and 4) injecting an effective volume of oxygen gas into the person's lungs at high velocity through the second lumen. In other embodiments, the invention provides a cardiopulmonary resuscitation system for use during the performance of CPR chest compressions on a patient, a novel locking supraglottic airway device, and a valve device for applying vacuum to a patient's airway.

Abstract: Portable pump apparatus for the provision of pressurised air to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) apparatus, the apparatus comprising a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, and a substantially oil-free pump located within the housing, the substantially oil-free pump having an air inlet in communication with the air inlet of the housing and an air outlet in communication with the air outlet of the housing, such that the pump apparatus is operable to output pressurised air containing less than 1 mg of particulate oil mist per cubic metre of air. Also provided is a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device incorporating such a portable pump apparatus.

Abstract: An air pulse generator includes a housing having a front wall and a back wall defining an interior region and a shell having a front portion and a back portion defining an air chamber. The front wall of the housing has first and second air openings. The front portion of the shell has first and second air ports in communication with the air chamber. The first and second air ports are aligned with the first and second air openings when the shell is mounted within the interior region of the housing.

Abstract: A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pulse generator mounted on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the air pulse generator. A reversible thoracic therapy garment is connected with a hose to an air pulse generator which can be selectively located adjacent opposite sides of a person receiving therapy.

Abstract: A CPR device depicted and disclosed provides for ergonomically administering CPR from the side of a patient, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of injury and providing a means for maximally effective CPR. One embodiment is optionally attachable to a bed or gurney and provides a leveraged structure with a CPR pad, so that CPR can be performed from the side of the bed or gurney. Other devices may be portable, and can be unfolded to encircle a patient's chest and so that CPR can be more effectively administered from the patient's side by means of a lever or by means of compressed air-driven compression devices.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved air pulse generator. The air pulse module has a reduced size and improved shape for ease of use by a patient.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller for a cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus. Automation and precise control can be realized in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus by using a driving unit involving in constricting the chest band of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus, locking, and pressing the chest by air pressure, and a control unit controlling the driving unit according to a control signal. Further, air pressure used in driving the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus is controlled so as to be also supplied to a line of artificial respiration, such that a simple construction of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus and automation of artificial respiration are obtained. Thanks to the present invention, the operator does not have to care about the operation of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which allows the operator pay more attention to taking care of a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgery apparatus capable of setting surgical conditions properly in accordance with hardness of a nucleus lentis and performing surgery with efficiency is disclosed. The ultrasonic surgery apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibration inducing unit, having an ultrasonic chip which induces ultrasonic vibrations to fragment and emulsify a nucleus lentis, an input unit which inputs a judgment result of hardness of the nucleus lentis, and a setting unit which sets a condition of the ultrasonic vibrations thereafter based on the inputted judgment result.

Abstract: A device for performing chest compressions for CPR in coordination with applying electro-stimulus for additional resuscitative actions such as electro-ventilation, electro-counterpulsion, and defibrillation. The device includes a chest compression mechanism, electrodes and power supply for electro-stimulus, and a control system for applying electro-stimulus in coordination with the action of the chest compression mechanism.

Abstract: CPR systems that provide guidance to a CPR provider are presented. Contemplated CPR systems include sensors that collect a victim's biometric data during CPR. The data is processed by an electronic assembly which provides feedback to the CPR provider. The electronic assembly can be packaged within a cranio-cervical extension device having language independent instructions encoded on a surface of the device.

Abstract: Integrated devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices. Integrated devices can include a backboard, at least one chest compression member operably coupled to the backboard, and a defibrillator module operably coupled to the backboard. The integrated devices can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities.

Abstract: A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient having a ventricular arrhythmia, comprising circuitry and processing configured for detection of chest compression/phase timing information indicative of the start of the decompression phase, circuitry and processing configured for delivery of electromagnetic therapy for the termination of ventricular arrhythmias, wherein the circuitry and processing for the delivery of electromagnetic therapy utilizes the chest compression phase timing information to initiate delivery of the electromagnetic therapy within 300 milliseconds of the start of the decompression phase.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to pulses of air which applies and releases high frequency pressure forces to the body. The pulsator has two diaphragms connected to a brushless electric dc motor with rotary to reciprocating linear motion transmitting mechanisms comprising scotch yokes having anti-lash assemblies operable to generate air pulses in an air pulsing chamber. The diaphragms also increase the pressure in a manifold chamber. A check valve connects the manifold chamber with a pulsing chamber to allow pressurized air to flow from the manifold chamber into the pulsing chamber. An air flow control valve in communication with the manifold chamber is used to adjust the pressure of the air in the manifold and pulsing chambers. A programmable motor controller adjusts the duration of operation and speed of the motor to vary the operational time and frequency of the air pulses.

Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be a bladder provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band.

Abstract: A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pulse generator mounted on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the air pulse generator. A reversible thoracic therapy garment is connected with a hose to an air pulse generator which can be selectively located adjacent opposite sides of a person receiving therapy.

Abstract: Manual CPR apparatus allowing the application of force at two points separated by a line making a nonperpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the patient. The line separating the two force points may also lie out of the plane formed by the device's belt which circumnavigates the patient's torso. These geometrical configurations allow the facile application of the CPR force to the device by one or more operators located along the side of the patient. The device may have the capability to limit the achieved circular chest compression to one of a plurality of magnitudes. The device may also provide signals to indicate the appropriate times for applying pressure and may incorporate electrocardiogram and defibrillation components. The device may contact the patient's chest with a suction cup or other adhering component to assist in the patient's chest expanding in the interval between compressive strokes.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing circulation are described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a method for enhancing circulation. The method comprises attaching at least one compression device to at least a portion of a person's lower extremity. The person's chest is repetitively compressed so that the chest experiences a compression phase and a recoil phase or decompression. Also, the person's lower extremity is compressed using the compression device during at least some of the recoil phases.

Abstract: An oscillatory chest compression device includes an oscillatory air flow generator and a positive air flow generator. A first feedback system controls the oscillation rate of the oscillatory air flow generator, and a second feedback system controls the peak pressure created by the positive air flow generator.