AutoPulse
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The AutoPulse is an automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation machine created by Revivant. It is described by Revivant as a "non-invasive cardiac support pump". It began distribution in 2004 after tests showed that use of automated CPR machines such as AutoPulse were considerably more effective than manual CPR in supporting patients suffering from cardiac arrest.
The AutoPulse is intended for use in advanced cardiac life support by paramedics. It consists of a half-backboard base unit and the LifeBand. The patient's head, shoulders and upper back lay upon the base unit, with the controls for the AutoPulse beside the patient's left ear. It can be augmented for cervical spinal support. The unit contains the control computer, the rechargeable battery, and the motors that operate the LifeBand. The LifeBand is an adjustable strap that covers the entire rib cage. When the patient (who must be disrobed) is strapped in and the start button is pressed, the LifeBand pulls tight around the chest and proceeds to rhythmically constrict the entire rib cage, compressing and pumping the heart at a rate of 80 beats per minute equivalent. The LifeBand can be placed over AED pads but must be taken off to use standard paddle defibrillators.
The LifeBand is disposable, and designed to be used on a single patient for sanitary reasons.
Several studies have shown that automated CPR machines are more effective at providing circulatory support than manual CPR. Studies showed that use of the AutoPulse increased blood flow to both the heart and brain by four-fold over manual CPR, to levels even greater than normal blood flow figures. [1] This is believed to be due to the fact that manual CPR focuses the compression on the sternum of the rib cage, whereas the LifeBand of the AutoPulse applies pressure to the entire rib cage. This also reduces injuries such as cartilage separation and rib fractures.
An adapted AutoPulse also was shown to be highly effective in support of cardiac arrest in animals, whereas manual CPR is tenuous in its effectiveness. Pigs were used in the study, and were left in cardiac arrest for eight minutes to simulate average ambulance response time. 73% of the pigs that were put into the AutoPulse were revived, and 88% of the surviving pigs showed no neurological damage. Not one pig that received manual CPR survived. [2]
ABC World News Tonight on May 19, 2005, did a story on automated CPR machines, and profiled the story of Caralee Welch, who survived thirty minutes of cardiac arrest during which the AutoPulse was used. She had a heart attack in front of a theatre, but even after a half-hour of no heartbeat, with AutoPulse's help she ultimately recovered with no apparent brain damage. [3]
[edit] External links
- AutoPulse Official Website
- CPR Machine Proves More Effective Than Paramedics from ABCNews.com (It does not mention AutoPulse by name, but her story is also profiled on the AutoPulse website.)
