Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2013 | Study protocol
The Study Protocol for the LINC (LUCAS in Cardiac Arrest) Study: a study comparing conventional adult out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a concept with mechanical chest compressions and simultaneous defibrillation
Authors:
Sten Rubertsson, Johan Silfverstolpe, Liselott Rehn, Thomas Nyman, Rob Lichtveld, Rene Boomars, Wendy Bruins, Björn Ahlstedt, Helena Puggioli, Erik Lindgren, David Smekal, Gunnar Skoog, Robert Kastberg, Anna Lindblad, David Halliwell, Martyn Box, Fredrik Arnwald, Bjarne Madsen Hardig, Douglas Chamberlain, Johan Herlitz, Rolf Karlsten
Published in:
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
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Issue 1/2013
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Abstract
Background
The LUCAS™ device delivers mechanical chest compressions that have been shown in experimental studies to improve perfusion pressures to the brain and heart as well as augmenting cerebral blood flow and end tidal CO2, compared with results from standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Two randomised pilot studies in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients have not shown improved outcome when compared with manual CPR. There remains evidence from small case series that the device can be potentially beneficial compared with manual chest compressions in specific situations. This multicentre study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mechanical chest compressions with the LUCAS™ device whilst allowing defibrillation during on-going CPR, and comparing the results with those of conventional resuscitation.
Results
Primary endpoint is four-hour survival after successful restoration of spontaneous circulation. The safety aspect is being evaluated by post mortem examinations in 300 patients that may reflect injuries from CPR.
Conclusion
This large multicentre study will contribute to the evaluation of mechanical chest compression in CPR and specifically to the efficacy and safety of the LUCAS™ device when used in association with defibrillation during on-going CPR.