Universal resuscitation device
The b-card (Boussignac Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Device) is a non-invasive ventilation system providing continuous oxygen delivery during CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation). The device ensures dynamic alveolar ventilation without the need to pause chest compressions. Recent international scientific recommendations advocate chest compressions should not be interrupted when treating a cardiac arrest, in order to ensure continuous blood flow. However, it is still desirable to provide oxygen. Therefore emergency responders currently alternate between chest compressions and ventilation at a rate of 30 compressions to two rescue breaths. The new b-card device eliminates the need to stop compressions to ventilate. Connected to a source delivering oxygen at a flow rate of 15L/minute, the b-card generates a virtual valve. This acts as the heart’ of the device, optimizing the pressure created during the chest compression and decompression phases of resuscitation. Each chest compression has a dual action: helping to expel the air contained in the alveolae and simultaneously pumping blood from the chest cavity into general circulation. In the decompression phase, the virtual valve creates negative intrathoracic pressure, optimizing gas exchange in the alveoli. At the same time, it improves venous return towards the heart. This increases the blood flow ejected from the heart during the next chest compression. B-card has the dual effect of optimizing hemodynamics and ventilation when lifesavers are performing chest compressions. As a simple device requiring minimal training, it can be used by first responders, allowing them to treat cardiac arrests more effectively. The device is being successfully used by a number of pre-hospital medical teams in France and elsewhere. It includes the option to use it with a face mask and can be fitted by professional emergency first responders – emergency workers, qualified first aiders and nurses – who often provide the first-line response to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
