Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention relates to CPR devices that are designed to limit the rise in intrathoracic pressure when performing CPR compressions (e.g., chest, thorax, etc.) so as to minimize increases in intracranial pressure resulting from such compressions and elevated ITP. Exemplary CPR devices of the invention generally include one or more pressure sensors and a control system configured to adjust or alert for the need to adjust the amplitude and duration of CPR compressions so as to prevent a rise in ITP above a certain threshold amount, thereby controlling the rise in ICP during CPR. Methods of controlling a rise in ICP during CPR are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically ventilating a patient is provided to have two separate components movably arranged with respect to one another within a flexible, air-tight covering fit about the torso of a patient. When the components move away from one another within the air-tight covering, negative pressure is generated which causes the patient to draw air into the lungs. Conversely, when the components stop moving away from one another within the air-tight covering, the patient's natural exhalation recoil takes over to allow the patient to expel the air from within the patient's lungs. A ventilator for helping a patient such as a premature infant breathe when placed in a chamber, is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission device transforms an alternate rotational movement of an alternately rotating element into a linear reciprocating movement. The device includes a linear reciprocating element connected to the rotating element, and a first pivoting element having a first fixed pivot point connected to the linear reciprocating element. The transmission device includes a second pivoting element connected to the first pivoting element. A ball member, which may be connected to a CPR piston, is attached to the second pivoting element. A third pivoting element having a second fixed pivot point is connected to the second pivoting element.

Abstract: A respirator includes a hollow body defining therein a fresh air body and an exhaust air body. The fresh air body includes a fresh air inlet and a first breathing pipe. The exhaust air chamber includes an exhaust air pipe and a second breathing pipe. A first piston is reciprocally received in the fresh air chamber and a second piston is reciprocally received in the exhaust air chamber so that fresh air is able to be forced to the mask and exhaust from the mask is able to be drawn from the mask and into the exhaust air chamber. A patient unable to breathe independently is forced to breathe by using the respirator.

Abstract: A device (10) for resuscitating patients with cardiac arrest, having a lifting device, disposed on a carrier, for a ram that can be placed on the chest of the patient and can be moved up and down, or for a suction bell (15) with a ram (15.1), wherein the carrier is embodied as a gantry (16) that can be placed above the chest of the patient, and the gantry (16) is adjustable at least in width.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for connection between a positive fluid pressure source, a negative fluid pressure source and a device to be connected alternately to the pressure sources, comprising a body having ports for connection to the fluid pressure sources and the device, and a rotary member rotatable with respect to the body and adapted selectively to interconnect the ports, whereby the rotary member is operable on rotation in a single sense to connect alternately the positive fluid pressure source and the negative fluid pressure source to the device.

Abstract: A device for performing active compression/decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes an applicator body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes provisions for detachably securing to the patient's chest, such as a vacuum cup or an adhesive layer. For manual resuscitation, the upper surface will include a strap or other structure for securing a performer's hand thereto. In an exemplary device, a disc-shaped handle is attached to the upper surface of a vacuum cup applicator by a short connecting stem structure. A pressure gauge mounted to the handle permits the performer to monitor how much force is being applied in both the compression and decompression phases. For automatic applications, a mechanical drive member will be secured to the upper surface. By alternately pressing and lifting on the applicator device, the patient's chest can be compressed and expanded to improve induced ventilation and circulation.

Abstract: A chest covering shell (4) of springy material for fitting over a patient's chest is coupled to an air oscillator. Changes in air pressure in the shell (40) cause ventilation of the patient. A back plate (10) can be used which has vertically extending supports (14) for engagement with the sides (28) of the shell (40) so as to support them and prevent their flexing during use. The edge of the shell (4) has a seal (50 which runs continuously around the periphery of the shell (40). The seal (50) can include an inwardly directed flap (56) in order to provide an effective seal when positive pressures are applied under the shell (40). A backing pad (58) comprising an evacuatable envelope containing solid particles can be used which is able to support the shell (40) and seal against the patient. The pad (58) can be deformed by the weight of the patient and can be evacuated via air outlet (70) to stiffen the envelope by compression of the particle.

Abstract: A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation employs an applicator device having a body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes provisions for detachably securing to the patient's chest, such as a vacuum cup or an adhesive layer. For manual resuscitation, the upper surface will include a strap or other means for securing a performer's hand thereto. For automatic applications, a mechanical drive member will be secured to the upper surface. By alternately pressing and lifting on the applicator device, the patient's chest can be compressed and expanded to improve induced ventilation and circulation.

Abstract: A device providing performance of CPR without need to exert forces of such magnitude that the patient may be injured, and which further provides performance of defibrillation and ventilation. The CPR assist device according to the present invention is composed generally of an elongate column member, handles mounted normal to the column member, a suction cup member mounted at one end of the column member, and a defibrillation system so that the patient may be defibrillated in conjunction with CPR. According to the method of the present invention, an aid giver places the suction cup member of the CPR assist device on the chest of the patient, then grabs the handles and proceeds to alternately press on the chest and pull from the chest. The suction cup member causes the chest to compress and expand, thereby creating a churning action within the chest cavity that resuscitates the patient.