Mechanical adjunct to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and an electrical adjunct to defibrillation countershock, cardiac pacing, and cardiac monitoring

摘要

An apparatus for aiding in the treatment of cardiac arrest patients which includes a flexible tube having an elongated bladder attached between its opposite ends and a stomach bladder attached to its distal end. Each bladder has a conductive portion which serves as an electrode. Wires are embedded in the sidewall of the tube and connected to each electrode. Passageways formed in the sidewall of the tube and fluid- conveying tubes connected thereto form a fluid path through which a saline solution or a gas passes to fill the bladders. The tube is positioned so that the stomach bladder lies in the fundus of the stomach and the esophageal bladder lies in the posterior to the heart. The stomach bladder is filled and moderate countertraction is applied. Then the esophageal bladder is filled. The esophageal bladder serves as a platform by expanding and hardening the esophagus behind the heart. The heart is then compressed between the sternum and the hardened esophageal bladder, thus enhancing artificial circulation. A defibrillation countershock is administered through the low impedance pathway between the stomach and esophageal electrodes, which are in close proximity to the left ventricle, in order to defibrillate the heart.