Methods and apparatuses for dispersing a compound within the patient are described. In one embodiment, an effective amount of a compound may be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient and a force may be applied to the torso of the patient sufficient to enhance the convection of the cerebrospinal fluid. In another embodiment, a bolus including a compound may be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient. The volume of the bolus may be between about 5% and 30% of the total volume of the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient.

Methods and apparatuses for dispersing a compound within the patient are described. In one embodiment, an effective amount of a compound may be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient and a force may be applied to the torso of the patient sufficient to enhance the convection of the cerebrospinal fluid. In another embodiment, a bolus including a compound may be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient. The volume of the bolus may be between about 5% and 30% of the total volume of the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient.

The present invention is a method for improving hemodynamics and clinical outcome of patients suffering cardiac arrest and other low-flow states by combination of circumferential constriction and anteroposterior compression decompression of the chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Anteroposterior compression decompression may be provided by a piston mechanism attached to a gantry above the patient. Circumferential constriction may be achieved by inflation of pneumatic bladders or shortening of a band. The on-off sequence and relative force of circumferential constriction and anteroposterior compression decompression may be adjusted so as to improve efficacy.

A method of controlling the amount of compressed gas used for driving a reciprocating apparatus for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprising a valve means for controlling the provision of driving gas comprises operation of the valve means during the compression phase to stop provision of driving gas, which operation is separated in time from the venting of the driving gas from the apparatus at the end of the compression phase. Also disclosed are; a CPR apparatus operated by the method; a method of compression depth sensing.

A patient care system for treating a patient is provided. The patient care system includes a patient transport apparatus, a chest compression system configured to provide automatic chest compressions to a patient, and a retainer for securing the chest compression system to the patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus includes a base, an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base, and a patient support deck which defines a patient support surface. The chest compression system includes a driver having a driver body movably supporting a plunger, and a driver frame to support the driver adjacent to the chest of the patient. The retainer includes a collar releasably engageable with the chest compression system, and a brace including a retainer mount and a tether. The brace is arranged to secure the chest compression system to the intermediate frame of the patient transport apparatus.

A patient care system for treating a patient is provided. The patient care system includes a patient transport apparatus, a chest compression system configured to provide automatic chest compressions to a patient, and a retainer for securing the chest compression system to the patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus includes a base, an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base, and a patient support deck which defines a patient support surface. The chest compression system includes a driver having a driver body movably supporting a plunger, and a driver frame to support the driver adjacent to the chest of the patient. The retainer includes a collar releasably engageable with the chest compression system, and a brace including a retainer mount and a retainer frame. The brace is arranged to brace the chest compression system rigidly against the intermediate frame of the patient transport apparatus.

A patient care system for treating a patient is provided. The patient care system includes a patient transport apparatus, a chest compression system configured to provide automatic chest compressions to a patient, and a retainer for securing the chest compression system to the patient. The patient transport apparatus includes a base, an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base, and a patient support deck which defines a patient support surface. The chest compression system includes a driver having a driver body movably supporting a plunger, and a driver frame to support the driver adjacent to the chest of the patient. The retainer includes a collar releasably engageable with the chest compression system, and a brace including a shoulder support and a retainer frame. The shoulder support is arranged to abut a shoulder of the patient and to brace the chest compression system relative to the patient.

This document relates to systems and techniques for the treatment of a cardiac arrest victim via electromagnetic stimulation of physiologic tissue.

An apparatus for assisting a rescuer in performing chest compressions during CPR on a victim, the apparatus comprising a pad or other structure configured to be applied to the chest near or at the location at which the rescuer applies force to produce the chest compressions, at least one sensor connected to the pad, the sensor being configured to sense movement of the chest or force applied to the chest, processing circuitry for processing the output of the sensor to determine whether the rescuer is substantially releasing the chest following chest compressions, and at least one prompting element connected to the processing circuitry for providing the rescuer with information as to whether the chest is being substantially released following chest compressions.

A system includes a guidance device that provides feedback to a user to compress a patient's chest at a rate of between about 90 and 110 compressions per minute and at a depth of between about 4.5 centimeters to about 6 centimeters. The system includes a pressure regulation system having a pressure-responsive valve that is configured to be coupled to a patient's airway. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed during successive chest compressions in order to permit removal at least about 200 ml from the lungs in order to lower intracranial pressure to improve survival with favorable neurological function. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed until the negative pressure within the patient's airway reaches about −7 cm H.sub.2O, at which time the pressure-responsive valve is configured to open to provide respiratory gases to flow to the lungs through the pressure-responsive valve.