The Efficacy of LUCAS in Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Introduction: Chest compression is the basic technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in patients with cardiac arrest. The quality and early performance of CPR is critical to improve the prognosis and chances of restoring spontaneous blood flow. Today we have manual compressions and mechanical chest compression devices. Objective: The aim of this study is to clarify the importance of the LUCAS system (The Lund University Cardiac Arrest System) in CPR. Material and methods: A systematic review of the literature by mobilizing the descriptors "Cardiac Arrest", "Lucas Efficacy" and "nursing", using the methodological head. Ten conceivable databases were selected, between 2010-2020, and seven articles were included for analysis. Results and discussion: The results of the studies are different, as four of the studies indicate that LUCAS is fully effective, particularly in fatigue and transport, but two of them do not recognise its full effectiveness. One of the studies mentions that the fact that compression by the automatic device is effective does not necessarily reflect a better result. The vast majority of the studies recognise the need for further studies to make more convincing decisions. Conclusion: Mechanical chest compression devices can improve patient outcome if used appropriately in the event of cardiac arrest. The hemodynamic performance of the LUCAS compression-decompression system is, according to some results, better than manual CPR. However, the quality of the current evidence is not sufficient. Randomised studies are needed to evaluate the effect of mechanical chest compression devices on survival inside or outside the hospital.