New CPR Method Increases Survival Rate by 50%

A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique that uses two external devices to increase blood circulation improves long-term survival rates with good brain function by 50%, claims a new study.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School (UMN; Duluth, USA) developed the new method, which combines two devices to create a greater vacuum in the chest, pumping blood to the heart and brain more effectively. The first device, the ResQPump, consists of a suction cup that attaches to the patient's chest; it includes a handle to lift manually the chest after each compression, stimulating blood flow. The second device, the ResQPOD, is an impedance threshold device (ITD) that provides perfusion on demand (POD), by regulating pressures in the thorax during states of hypotension, preventing unnecessary air from entering the chest during CPR.


As the chest wall recoils, the vacuum in the thorax is greater; this enhanced vacuum pulls more blood back to the heart, doubling blood flow during CPR. The mechanism increases cardiac output, blood pressure, and survival rates. The resulting combination of devices causes the heart and brain to receive nearly three times more blood flow during each compression-decompression cycle, when compared to standard CPR. Patient ventilation and exhalation are not restricted in any way. The study detailing the technique and the results was published in the January 22, 2011, issue of the Lancet.

"The current method of CPR has saved countless lives and is an indispensable tool in emergency medicine, but we want to bring to light the potential of using this new dual device system in combination with compression-decompression,” said Demetris Yannopoulos, MD, an assistant professor of medicine, and research director of interventional cardiology. "This dual device system can not only increase survival rates, but can improve brain function after cardiac arrest.”

"We are moving from prehistoric times--relying only on our hands--to modern times, implementing tools to treat victims,” said Keith Lurie, MD, a professor of medicine and emergency medicine at UMN. "This advance is a product of collaboration between emergency medicine specialists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, and countless other professions. A multidisciplinary environment was absolutely necessary for our success.”

Both the ResQPump and the ResQPOD are manufactured by Advanced Circulatory Systems (Roseville, MN, USA).

Related Links:
University of Minnesota Medical School
Advanced Circulatory Systems