US 7,517,325 B2
Automated chest compression apparatus with a bladder between the belt and the patient
Henry R. Halperin, Baltimore, Md. (US)
Assigned to The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. (US)
Filed on Jun. 06, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/448,371.
Application 11/448371 is a continuation of application No. 09/954544, filed on Sep. 12, 2001, granted, now 7,056,295.
Application 09/954544 is a continuation of application No. 09/188065, filed on Nov. 09, 1998, abandoned.
Prior Publication US 2006/0229535 A1, Oct. 12, 2006
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61H 31/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 601—41  [601/DIG. 6] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of compressing the chest of a patient during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, wherein the chest is characterized by the sternum of the patient and areas lateral to the sternum, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a device for compressing the chest of a patient, said device comprising:
a band adapted to extend around the chest of the patient;
a driver mechanism, operably connected to the band, for contracting the band;
a fluid-filled bladder disposed between the chest of the patient and the band, with at least a portion of said fluid-filled bladder disposed over the sternum of the patient; and
a controller for controlling operation of the driver mechanism;
wherein the controller is programmed to control the driver mechanism to contract the band at a rate sufficient to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
wherein the controller is programmed to contract the band to a tightness sufficient to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
placing the bladder on the anterior portion of the chest of the patient such that the cushion substantially covers the sternum of the patient;
securing the band around the chest of the patient and over the bladder; and
contracting the band to compress the chest of the patient to a tightness and at a rate sufficient to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the patient.