A few years ago we wrote about the punnily named ResQPOD, pictured on top, an impedance-threshold device that prevents air from re-entering the lungs to assist with cardiac filling. The Lancet has just published a study comparing standard CPR to CPR using ResQPod combined with another assist device called the ResQPump (side below), both from Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc (Roseville, MN). From the abstract: Findings 2470 provisionally enrolled patients were randomly allocated to treatment groups. 813 (68%) of 1201 patients assigned to the standard CPR group (controls) and 840 (66%) of 1269 assigned to intervention CPR received designated CPR and were included in the final analyses. 47 (6%) of 813 controls survived to hospital discharge with favourable neurological function compared with 75 (9%) of 840 patients in the intervention group (odds ratio 1·58, 95% CI 1·07—2·36; p=0·019]. 74 (9%) of 840 patients survived to 1 year in the intervention group compared with 48 (6%) of 813 controls (p=0·03), with equivalent cognitive skills, disability ratings, and emotional-psychological statuses in both groups. The overall major adverse event rate did not differ between groups, but more patients had pulmonary oedema in the intervention group (94 [11%] of 840) than did controls (62 [7%] of 813; p=0·015). Interpretation On the basis of our findings showing increased effectiveness and generalisability of the study intervention, active compression-decompression CPR with augmentation of negative intrathoracic pressure should be considered as an alternative to standard CPR to increase long-term survival after cardiac arrest. Full abstract in Lancet: Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation with augmentation of negative intrathoracic pressure for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a randomised trial Good summary from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New CPR devices save lives, Medical College study finds… Study info and product pages: THE RESQ TRIAL……

Chicago-based Etymotic Research is primarily known as the inventor of the in-ear earphones used by professional musicians, sound engineers, and discriminating audiophiles. However, at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the company has been honored for its innovations in protecting the hearing of our troops. The winner of the CES 2011 Best of Innovations in Health and Wellness, the Electronic Blast PLG Earplugs were developed to reduce hearing loss and tinnitus caused by the explosions, gunfire, machinery, and other loud noises deployed troops commonly encounter. Most soldiers choose not to wear hearing protection because current devices interferes with situational awareness and the ability to hear softer sounds. The Electronic Blast PLG Earplugs’ circuitry actively protects from louder, dangerous noise levels while also allowing for natural hearing as though there is nothing in the ears. While developed specially for the military, the Electronic Blast PLG Earplugs are available in two versions for anyone working in noisy environments who need to hear clearly. Product page: Electronic BlastPLG Earplugs Press release for CES: Etymotic receives prestigious CEA Innovations Award EB-series electronic ear protection developed to save the hearing of deployed troops…

Here’s an interesting new technology that might have a wide range of potential clinical applications. Crystal IS, Inc., a company out of Green Island, NY, claims to have developed ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) that can be used for germicidal disinfection. The company’s mid-ultraviolet LEDs fabricated from pseudomorphic layers on bulk Aluminum Nitride (AlN) have now attracted the attention of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), that has awarded the company $5M to further the technology for "water sterilization and numerous other applications of significant interest to the Department of Defense." Previously the company has reported that its 275nm LEDs have an optimal wavelength and enough power to be germicidal in a variety of medias. We’ll be watching this company as its technology could be used in anything from new autoclave machines, to the surgical field and radiology suites. Product page: UV LEDs … Press releases: CRYSTAL IS, INC. RECEIVES $5 MILLION DARPA AWARD …; Crystal IS’s proprietary technology shown to be key for commercial LEDs in disinfection applications ……

Last week, we got a chance to visit the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC, pronounced "bam see"), located in San Antonio, Texas. BAMC is one of the U.S. military’s primary hospitals and a major medical research facility: the 450-bed hospital features a level-one trauma center, graduate medical education, and military’s only American Burn Association-verified Burn Center. The ABA verification means that all burn victims from Iraq and Afghanistan arrive at BAMC, after a stopover in Landstuhl, Germany, about two days after the injury on the battlefield. The hospital-based U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Burn Flight Team has transported to the hospital hundreds of casualties using specially modified C-17 transport planes. Once on site, patients receive full-time physical and mental therapy, while clinical researchers have a lab-to-animal-to-clinical-trial facility to improve the care provided. Although it is a Department of Defense facility, the hospital accepts civilian patients from the surrounding region, and the research scientists publish in clinical journals and share their knowledge with the world. Burns to the face create a special treatment challenge because applying pressure with a bandage, like in the cases of burns to torso or limbs, is impossible. In order to make individualized plastic masks that perfectly fit the patient, the center has built its own system to digitize the face in 3D, mill a mold, and press the plastic into shape. Here’s our editor Gene Ostrovsky’s face being laser-scanned, just like a new patient: Once the scan is complete, a technician cleans up the 3D model, smoothes it out, and sends it to the mill where a special hard foam is used to make the mold: Once the mold is complete, it is sent to a vacuum forming machine that produces the final product – simply clip on some straps you’ve got a perfectly fitting mask in a matter of three hours. The burn center also has a SnowWorld virtual reality video game system, that we reported on a few years ago, for patients to play during bandage changes. The system was developed at the University of Washington, and a clinical study at BAMC have shown a significant reduction in perceived pain while playing in the snowy, cold world. Here’s a link to a short NPR report about the use of SnowWorld at BAMC. Other interesting research going on at the Institute of Surgical Research includes the use of ketamine for PTSD patients,…

ZOLL Medical has received FDA approval for the Propaq M monitor, a monitor only version of the recently released Propaq MD. The user interface and connections are identical to the MD version, but it loses the defibrillation option, resulting in a more compact and mobile package. Like the Propaq MD, it has been designed for military and air medical use, resulting in a smaller, rugged, long-lasting model, able to withstand extremely fine sand and jets of water. From the press release: The Propaq M is a new ultra-lightweight, compact device that combines highly sophisticated, advanced capabilities with the well-accepted and proven features of the Propaq monitors. New features of the Propaq M include 12-lead monitoring, a third invasive pressure channel, extensive trending and data collection, a large high-contrast color display with 4-waveform capability, a night vision goggle (NVG) mode for military and air medical night operations, and a user-removeable battery that will operate all the physiological parameters for over 7.5 hours. These new capabilities were designed into a new small, lightweight, rugged package nearly 5 lbs. lighter than currently deployed technology. Press release: ZOLL Propaq M Monitor Granted 510(k) Clearance by U.S. Food and Drug Administration……

ZOLL Medical has received FDA approval for the Propaq M monitor, a monitor only version of the recently released Propaq MD. The user interface and connections are identical to the MD version, but it loses the defibrillation option, resulting in a more compact and mobile package. Like the Propaq MD, it has been designed for military and air medical use, resulting in a smaller, rugged, long-lasting model, able to withstand extremely fine sand and jets of water. From the press release: The Propaq M is a new ultra-lightweight, compact device that combines highly sophisticated, advanced capabilities with the well-accepted and proven features of the Propaq monitors. New features of the Propaq M include 12-lead monitoring, a third invasive pressure channel, extensive trending and data collection, a large high-contrast color display with 4-waveform capability, a night vision goggle (NVG) mode for military and air medical night operations, and a user-removeable battery that will operate all the physiological parameters for over 7.5 hours. These new capabilities were designed into a new small, lightweight, rugged package nearly 5 lbs. lighter than currently deployed technology. Press release: ZOLL Propaq M Monitor Granted 510(k) Clearance by U.S. Food and Drug Administration……

Pyng Medical out of Richmond, British Columbia has received US regulatory approval to market the FASTx Sternal Intraosseous Device that provides quick vascular access via bone marrow. Features of the device from the product page: Vascular access within 10 seconds; fluids and medications to the heart in 30 seconds Automatic depth control prevents over-penetration Delivers fluids and medications as quickly as a central line, with shorter access time Can be inserted during other resuscitation procedures Can deliver any fluids or medications that can be delivered via IV For use in adolescents from 12 years of age and older Designed for single, sterile use—no cross-contamination Flexible tubing with subcutaneous portal; strain-relief target foot ensures line does not dislodge Can be inserted in moving ambulances, aboard helicopters, and on stretchers Skill mastery within minutes; skill retention not dependent upon frequent practice or use Press release: Pyng Medical Corp Receives US FDA 510(k) clearance for FASTx… Product page: FASTx Sternal Intraosseous Device… Flashback: The Fastest Way To a Man’s Heart is Through FAST1 Intraosseous Infusion System;…

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will soon begin testing thought-controlled prosthetic arms on human subjects. Although this isn’t the first mind-controlled arm we have seen, this is the first one that will directly interface with the brain instead of relying on peripheral nerves to transmit signals from the brain. Micro-arrays will be implanted into the brain that will capture neuronal signals and transmit them to the device. Over the next two years, the device will be tested in five patients while development will continue to focus on adding haptic pressure and touch capabilities and improving the implant lifespan. Wired: Human Trials Next for Darpa’s Mind-Controlled Artificial Arm……