UPMC Northwest received a cardiac device primarily for use in the emergency room but one that can be deployed throughout the hospital. The $14,000 device, which is a gift from the Northwest Hospital Foundation, is the LUCAS 3, V 3.1 Chest Compression System (LUCAS), which aids in resuscitation of cardiac patients.
“I am happy to say that our facility is very privileged to have this level of support from the Foundation,” Emergency Department Director Heidi Boitnott said. “The Foundation has allowed us to secure equipment that we may not have otherwise been able to obtain.”
The LUCAS device delivers consistent, high-quality chest compressions at recommended rate and depth while allowing for chest recoil. That means fewer interruptions compared with manual CPR, leading to higher compression ratios and doubling of blood flow to the heart and brain.
Studies demonstrate the LUCAS device improves quality of chest compressions, increases carbon dioxide monitoring levels, and sustains lifesaving blood circulation during prolonged resuscitation attempts.
“Prolonged CPR can occur in many situations, including when serious, inclement weather delays a transport,” Boitnott said. “LUCAS can free up personnel to let them focus on other critical emergency patient care, such as defibrillation, intubation, and IV placement.”
