Study Finds New CPR Method Increases Survival Rate by 50 Percent

A new method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that improves long-term survival rates with good brain function by 50 percent is the outcome of a five-year clinical trial.

Developed by the University of Minnesota researchers, the new technique goes beyond the standard hands-only compression-decompression method to include to two devices that increase blood circulation.

Heart Attack - Overview
Heart attack is the death of the heart muscle due to loss of blood supply. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Other names for heart attack include acute myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, and coronary occlusion.

CPR is an important rescue skill used to treat cardiac arrest, a condition characterized by sudden, abrupt loss of heart function.

CPR can stimulate a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to "buy time" until a normal heart beat is restored by defibrillation or with the aid of drugs.

Researchers found that the new device combination caused the heart and brain to receive nearly three times more blood flow during each compression-decompression cycle when compared to standard CPR.

The device combination method is also a prospective treatment for shock and head injury, as it augments blood flow to the brain and other tissues.

In the new method, one device (ResQPump) consists of a suction cup that attaches to the patient's chest. It includes a handle to manually lift the chest after each compression, stimulating blood flow.

Congenital Heart Disease – Septal Defects
Heart diseases that are present at birth are called “ Congenital heart diseases”.

A second device (ResQPOD) connects to the patient's airway with a facemask or breathing tube and prevents air from rushing into the lungs while the first device raises the chest. Combined, the two create a greater vacuum in the chest, pumping blood to the heart and brain more effectively.

"This dual device system can not only increase survival rates, but can improve brain function after cardiac arrest," said researcher Demetris Yannopoulos.

Congestive Heart Failure (Congestive Cardiac Failure) Current Management
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart fails to work adequately as a pump that can deliver oxygen rich blood to the body.

Source-ANI