June 30, 2009 – Physio-Control said yesterday its LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System was granted 510(k) market clearance by the FDA.
Developed and manufactured by Jolife AB and distributed exclusively in the U.S. by Physio-Control, the LUCAS 2 is an automated, battery-powered device designed to give consistent, uninterrupted compressions to victims in cardiac arrest.
LUCAS is designed to deliver uninterrupted compressions at a consistent rate and depth (100 compressions per minute, depth 1.5 to 2 inches) to facilitate the return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients. By ensuring consistent blood flow, LUCAS helps emergency medical responders deliver a more viable candidate for recovery to the emergency department. LUCAS can assist in improving the operations of an emergency response system or hospital by helping to reduce the chaos on the scene and free up staff for other emergencies.
LUCAS 2 builds upon the well-proven LUCAS 1 technology, but is an electric rather than pneumatic device. LUCAS 2 can be powered either by battery alone or using a wall or car electricity outlet. The battery is the latest in rechargeable, Lithium ion polymer technology and operates for typically 45 minutes on a single battery. LUCAS 2 is equipped with Smart Restart functionality. When a battery needs to be replaced, LUCAS 2 does not have to be powered down, only put into the pause mode, and when the new battery is inserted, the start position will stay the same within 60 seconds from the pause. Operation can be quickly resumed, saving time for medical personnel, the company said. LUCAS 2 offers other new features such as alerts and pauses to aid ventilation during compressions with an unsecured airway (e.g. bag valve mask) and quieter operation.
LUCAS 2 weighs 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) and fits into a compact backpack measuring just 25.6 inches high, 13 inches wide and 19.8 inches deep.
Within the past month, LUCAS 2 has also received a CE mark in Europe and marketing approval from Health Canada. Physio-Control plans to begin shipping to U.S. markets in the fall.
For more information: www.physio-control.com