Patent ID: 6062219
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: A61H,A61M

Abstract:
A method for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, by augmenting negative intrathoracic pressures, said method comprising the steps of:interfacing at least one inflow valve to a patient's airway;performing chest compression and chest decompression, wherein during chest decompression, said at least one inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a negative intrathoracic pressure level in the range from about 0 cm H.sub.2 O to -100 cm H.sub.2 O is exceeded at which time said at least one inflow valve opens, said at least one inflow valve assisting in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression and thereby enhancing the amount of venous blood flow into the heart and lungs; andperiodically, every 2-10 chest compressions, supplying the patient with a respiratory gas so as to properly ventilate the patient.