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Abstract

A reciprocal cardiac compressor is provided for cyclically compressing a patient's chest. The cardiac compressor includes a resuscitator for ventilating the patient's lungs. A first internal electrode is positioned in the esophagus of the patient with an esophageal-pharyngeal airway. The resuscitator ventilates the patient's lungs through the esophageal-pharyngeal airway. The cardiac compressor includes a compressor pad positioned anterior to the patient's heart for compressing the patient's sternum and heart. An external electrode is disposed on the face of the compressor pad for compression between the compressor pad and the patient's sternum. A cardiac defibrillator is connected between external and internal electrodes for establishing a defibrillating electric current therebetween. A monitor is connected to the external and internal electrodes for monitoring the electrical activity of the patient's heart. Means for synchronizing the defibrillator and the compressor is provided comprising a pressure sensitive switch for synchronizing the defibrillator and compressor such that defibrillating current is applied to the patient's heart only during a systolic portion of the compression cycle of the compressor.

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First Claim