Abstract: A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.

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: Devices and methods for performing CPR on a patient within an imaging field of an imaging device. The device has a compression belt and a belt tensioning mechanism, both located on or in the device such that the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the patient may be place within the imaging field with the compression belt installed about the patient and the belt tensioning mechanism will be located outside of the imaging field.

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: In one embodiment, a method of rehabilitating a patient's cardiac/pulmonary activity and achieving increased fluid distribution, includes placing one inflatable/deflatable chest cuff over the patient's chest area and another inflatable/deflatable cuff over the patient's abdominal area, the chest cuff, when inflated, being arranged to depress the chest and force air out of the patient's lungs, the abdominal cuff being arranged, when inflated to apply pressure to the underlying vessels to direct blood into the patient's chest area; inflating and deflating the chest cuff and the abdominal cuff; connecting an intravenous (IV) line to one of the patient's blood vessels. In another embodiment, a patient interface kit for a system for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or circulatory support to a patient.

Abstract: An therapy system is operable to deliver a plurality of respiratory therapies to the patient and has an assessment system operable to assess the efficacy of at least one of the respiratory therapies. The therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The assessment system may comprise any one or more of the following devices: a flow meter, a spirometer, an electronic stethoscope, a tympanic thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a respiration rate monitor, and the like.

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: Methods to control the delivery of CPR to a patient through a mechanical CPR device are described. The method generally allows for a gradual increase in the frequency of CPR cycles. The gradual increase can be regulated by protocols programmed within the CPR device such as intermittently starting and stopping the delivery of CPR, accelerating the delivery of CPR, stepping up the CPR frequency, increasing the force of CPR, and adjusting the ratio of compression and decompression in a CPR cycle. Combinations of each of these forms may also be used to control the delivery of CPR. This manner of gradually accelerating artificial blood flow during the first minutes of mechanical CPR delivery can serve to lessen the potential for ischemia/reperfusion injury in the patient who receives mechanical CPR treatment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus of cardiopulmonary resuscitator that is operated through a driving mechanism controlled and driven by air power. The driving mechanism functions to actuate a belt adapted to extend around the chest of a patient to generate reciprocating movement of pressing and releasing so as to achieve a purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for recovering heartbeat and breathing of the patent. By means of the disclosure of the present invention, the apparatus of cardiopulmonary resuscitator is capable of being operated in any kinds of occasions without worrying about lack of power electricity. Meanwhile, the driving mechanism can provide higher reliability and lower cost through the mechanism design that is more simplified than the design of electrical control element used in the conventional apparatus.

Abstract: A method for monitoring chest compressions using a compression member includes measuring a force exerted by the compression member, measuring a displacement of the compression member, providing a chest stiffness function representing the relationship between force and displacement based on values derived from the measured force and the measured displacement, and analyzing linearity of the chest stiffness function. Embodiments of the invention also include devices for performing the method.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of a victim's chest using a compression belt operably attached to a platform upon which a patient rests. In use, the compression belt is wrapped around the patient and at least one spindle operably attached to the platform.

Abstract: A chest physiotherapy device which allows self administered chest physiotherapy to assist in transfer of airway passage secretions.

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 chest physiotherapy device which allows self administered chest physiotherapy to assist in transfer of airway passage secretions.

Abstract: A chest compression system and method of use for respiratory therapies such as cystic fibrosis, including an air flow generator, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade for producing a series of air pulses communicated to a patient-worn garment during a therapy session. The system further includes one or more patient physiologic sensors capable of capturing patient information during the therapy session. The sensors may include a blood oximeter or a mouthpiece used to evaluate pulmonary function. An airway congestion monitoring system provides airway and lung congestion trend analysis. Adjustments are made to the series of air pulses based on a patient's therapy session data.

Abstract: A HFCWO system includes an air pulse generator having a blower inlet in communication with a blower and an air port in communication with an inflatable garment. The air pulse generator includes a housing and an air pulse assembly coupled to the housing. The air pulse assembly has at least one diaphragm, at least one driver operable to move the at least one diaphragm and at least one spring arranged to bias the at least one diaphragm away from a portion of the housing.

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 invention provides a treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) in a patient. At least one pressure applicator is arranged externally around a body segment of the patient. Negative pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, is applied to the body segment of the patient during cardiac systole using the pressure applicator, thereby reducing ventricular afterload in the patient. The negative pressure to the body segment of the patient is removed during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic delivery of chest compressions and ventilation to a patient, the apparatus including: a chest compressing device configured to deliver compression phases during which pressure is applied to compress the chest and decompression phases during which approximately zero pressure is applied to the chest a ventilator configured to deliver positive, negative, or approximately zero pressure to the airway; control circuitry and processor, wherein the circuitry and processor are configured to cause the chest compressing device to repeatedly deliver a set containing a plurality of systolic flow cycles, each systolic flow cycle comprising a systolic decompression phase and a systolic compression phase, and at least one diastolic flow cycle interspersed between sets of systolic flow cycles, each diastolic flow cycle comprising a diastolic decompression phase and a diastolic compression phase, wherein the diastolic decompression phase is substantially longer than the systolic decompression phase.

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: The invention is an apparatus for increasing intrathoracic pressure for resuscitating cardiac arrest patients. The apparatus comprises a flexible, substantially inelastic belt wrapped around the patient's chest and attached to a force converter. The force converter converts a downwardly directed force into a chestward resultant, which depresses the sternum, and two belt tightening resultants. The force converter comprises a pair of arm assemblies, each having a pair of spaced arms, which are pivotably mounted to a base. The base is positioned near the patient's sternum and the ends of the belt attach to one end of each arm assembly. The opposite, handle ends of the arm assemblies are depressed toward the chest causing tightening of the belt and compression of the chest cavity.

Abstract: A therapeutic hypothermia and cardio-respiratory augmentation apparatus to cool a patient to a selected temperature range and augment the patient's cardio-pulmonary functions comprising a cooling system including an upper cooling section, an intermediate cooling section and a lower cooling section coupled to a fluid cooling source by a cooling fluid circulating system to supply a cooling fluid to the upper cooling section, the intermediate cooling section and the lower cooling section to selectively and independently cool the brain, the torso and the legs respectively to within a selected or predetermined temperature range, a cardio-respiratory augmentation system including an upper biphasic ventilator section and a lower pulmonary augmentation section coupled to a gas source by a gas circulating system to alternatively apply positive pressure and negative pressure to the upper biphasic ventilator section and pulsating positive pressure to the lower pulmonary section to augment respiration for the lungs and b

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.

Abstract: An air pulse generator for providing high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy to a patient is provided. The air pulse generator has a housing and first and second diaphragms supported in the housing. The air pulse generator further has a crankshaft assembly coupled to the first and second diaphragms to reciprocally move the diaphragms back and forth to produce oscillating pressure pulses. The crank shaft assembly includes a motor with an output shaft that rotates about a first axis, a flywheel mounted on the shaft to rotate therewith, a first member coupled to the first diaphragm and pinned to the flywheel by a first stub shaft that is offset from the first axis, a second member coupled to the second diaphragm, and a cam interposed between the first member and the second member. The first member is pinned to the cam by the first stub shaft and the second member is pinned to the cam by a second stub shaft.

Abstract: The invention regards a resuscitation system having a chest compression device to repeatedly compress the chest of a patient and thereafter cause or allow the chest to expand. The device includes an electric motor connected to a compression element. A controller is coupled to the electric motor and causes the motor to actuate the compression element according to a predetermined profile. The controller is further operable to draw the compression element away from a patient's chest upon detecting a malfunction.

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 an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a simple device to aid in cardiac compression to assist in reestablishing normal heart rhythm. The design and size of the device is particularly useful in morbidly obese individuals that require cardiac compressions in order to optimize resuscitation efforts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering combined positive and negative pressure assist ventilation to a patient, wherein a positive pressure is applied to the patient's airways to inflate the patient's lungs, a negative pressure is applied around the patient's ribcage and/or abdomen in order to reduce a load imposed by the ribcage and/or abdomen on the patient's lungs, and application of the positive and negative pressures is synchronized.

Abstract: A positioning device for use in apparatus for treating sudden cardiac arrest in a patient in supine position by providing chest compressions at the lower end of the sternum prevents the apparatus from moving in a caudal direction. The apparatus includes a frame enclosing the patient at a sternal transversal plane and a pneumatic compression/decompression unit mounted on the frame. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end, a second end and a tensioning component disposed between the first and second ends. First and second end portions of the strap include a mechanism for attachment to the apparatus. The flexible strap has a mounted tensioned length sufficient to extend around the patient's neck. At least one of the end portions is releasably attached.

Abstract: A body surface compression device for generating cyclical or constant compressions for medical purposes. Compression is accomplished using pneumatic actuated artificial muscle in combination with a belt placed around a body part. Both artificial muscle shortening and pneumatic expansion are used for compression. A unique useful property of this system is the length-tension characteristic similar to natural muscle which reduces applied compressive force proportionally with the level of volume compression of the body part. This property as well as a uniformly applied compression over the body part allows compression to be accomplished in a way which resembles natural muscle activation and minimizes overall abnormal stress on the body part.

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 an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

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 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: 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 chest compression apparatus and method of use providing an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a wave form, a multi-port air chamber and a patient vest. A vest with a sizing feature is also disclosed. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient.

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 chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: A HFCWO system comprises an air pulse generator having a blower inlet in communication with a blower and an air port in communication with an inflatable garment. The air pulse generator comprises a housing and an air pulse assembly coupled to the housing. The air pulse assembly has at least one diaphragm, at least one driver operable to move the at least one diaphragm and at least one spring arranged to bias the at least one diaphragm away from a portion of the housing.

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. 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. The driver mechanism may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a contracting mechanism defining certain portions of the circumference of the band.

Abstract: A therapy system is operable to deliver at least one respiratory therapy to a patient. For example, therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The therapy system is contained in a housing supported by a mobile stand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable-personal device (1) for pulmonary ventilation and resuscitation at negative and positive intermittent pressures, useful for aiding respiration of patients suffering from acute and chronic respiratory insufficiency. It consists of an artificial, portable, small, wearable, light, silent respiratory device that can be easily used by the patient who is thus permitted to lead as normal a life as possible.

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: An air vest for supplying successive percussive forces to a patient during a therapy session. The air vest includes an air bladder and a belt for securing the bladder in place upon the patient. One or more stiffening elements are provided to promote uniform force distribution across the vest. The one or more extension panels are defined along upper or lower portions of the vest. Extension panels provide a spacing structure for separating a lower cover portion from an upper cover portion to improve the force transmission to the patient for a given air volume and pressure. A plurality of adjustable straps are provided for assisting in proper fitting of the vest to a patient.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient and administering decompression to a patient's torso includes an upper member for overlying the patient's torso. The upper member has at least one inlet for directing heat transfer liquid into direct liquid contact with the patient's torso to promote heat transfer between the patient's torso and the heat transfer liquid. A decompression device is adapted for securement to the upper member for use in at least decompressing the patient's torso with the upper member interposed between the decompression device and the patient's torso. The upper member is configured to facilitate decompression of the patient's torso upon operation of the decompression device to apply a decompressive pressure to the upper member.

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: 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.