See-Thru CPR Helps First Responders

A new defibrillator allows rescuers see a patient's underlying cardiac rhythm during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts and eliminates the need to stop compressions to see if defibrillation was successful.

The AED Pro defibrillator includes See-Thru CPR, a feature that filters out compression artifact noise, which allows clinicians to see organized electrical activity. The device also offers Real CPR Help, an instantaneous feedback feature that includes a metronome set at the American Heart Association (AHA)-recommended 100 beats per minute and a screen display, which helps rescuers achieve the optimum rate and depth of compression levels through audible and/or visual prompts. All CPR data can be recorded and reviewed using RescueNet code review software. The system also features a high-resolution electrocardiogram (ECG) display and lead monitoring. The See-Thru CPR feature is only activated when the AED Pro is in manual mode, and will automatically "turn on” when the rescuer switches the unit from semi-automatic to manual, which is accomplished by depressing two soft keys. The AED Pro is a product of ZOLL Medical (Chelmsford, MA, USA).

"This exclusive ZOLL technology allows the professional rescuer to analyze a patient's heart rhythm while continuous CPR is in progress and monitor the heart rhythm to determine the appropriate time to analyze or stop CPR to check the ECG,” said Richard A. Packer, president and CEO of ZOLL. "It contributes to helping rescuers and clinicians save more lives.”

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an abrupt disruption of the heart's function that causes a lack of blood flow to vital organs. This lack of blood flow can result in the loss of blood pressure, pulse, and consciousness. SCA is the leading cause of unexpected death in the world and strikes without warning. Currently, only about 6% of victims survive.


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