Chest Compression System Provides Hands Free CPR

A novel chest compression device helps administer high quality hands-free compressions due to a consistent source of air, and allows defibrillation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The LUCAS chest compression system is designed for both in- and out-of-hospital use, and is indicated for treatment of adult patients who have acute circulatory arrest (defined as absence of spontaneous breathing and pulse, as well as loss of consciousness). The system runs on high-pressure air supplied either by a compressed air tank or the air wall outlet in a hospital, and provides sustained, effective circulation during patient transport in both out-of-hospital and in-hospital situations. The system enhances the safety of both the patient and care provider by securing the patient's arms before transport, enabling rescuers to sit, wearing seatbelts during transport, rather than standing to provide compressions in a moving vehicle. The LUCAS system is a product of Jolife (Lund, Sweden; www.jolife.com), and was designed according to recommendations in the American Heart Association (AHA) 2005 Guidelines.

"Based on multiple studies and my direct observations, I am convinced mechanical chest compression devices will deliver improved circulation to cardiac arrest victims and offer the potential for improved neurological survival in our cardiac arrest patients versus manual CPR,” said Dr. Charles Lick, medical director of Allina Medical Transportation (Minneapolis, MN, USA). "I also anticipate that mechanical compression devices will further improve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and we will save more patients. Initial training on LUCAS has shown it is easy to apply and use in cardiac arrest patients.”

The system is not indicated for use on children, adults who are too small or too large for the device, in cases of advanced pregnancy, or in cases of major chest or hemorrhagic trauma.


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