A system has been developed that generates cyclic fluctuations in intrathoracic pressure for use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The system was realized with a pneumatic vest, which is placed around the thorax, and an inflation system. The vest contains a bladder that is cyclically inflated and deflated. Air flows into and out of the bladder by the proper sequencing of solenoid valves. A safety system monitors the pressure in the bladder and can vent pressure from the bladder and disable operation of the valves if a malfunction occurs. This systems uses real-time control of vest pressure to overcome the vast-pressure variations of older systems, and is safer than previous systems.
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