Guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation systems and methods

1. A system for applying guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation to an individual in need thereof, comprising:

a handle;

a measuring assembly in operative association with the handle; and

an adhesive pad,

wherein the handle and the adhesive pad are configured for releasable coupling,

wherein the handle is configured to decouple from the adhesive pad during a guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure upon application of a decompressive force to the handle that exceeds a predetermined threshold, and

wherein the predetermined threshold comprises a release force that is less than a force required to separate the adhesive pad from a skin surface of the individual.

2. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the measuring assembly comprises a force measuring device.

3. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the measuring assembly comprises a distance measuring device.

4. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the measuring assembly comprises a force and distance measuring device.

5. A system as in claim 4 , wherein the force and distance measuring device comprises an accelerometer.

6. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

7. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle and the adhesive pad are configured for releasable coupling via a mechanical interlock.

8. A system as in claim 7 , wherein the mechanical interlock comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a ball and socket assembly, a cantilevered arm assembly, and a detent mechanism assembly.

9. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle is coupled with a drive element of an automated reciprocating system.

10. A system as in claim 1 , further comprising an intrathoracic pressure regulator (ITPR) system that modulates pressure within an airway of the individual.

11. A system as in claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold is about 25 pounds.

12. A device for actively compressing and expanding an area of the body of an individual, the device comprising:

a compression element that is configured to be pressed and lifted, and

a flexible surface element operably coupled with the compression element and configured to be removably attached to a body part of the individual over a contact area;

wherein the compression element is configured to decouple from the surface element during a guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure upon application of a decompressive force to the compression element that exceeds a predetermined threshold,

wherein the predetermined threshold comprises a release force that is less than a force required to separate the flexible surface element from the body part of the individual,

wherein the compression element is adapted to apply a compressive force to the body part through the surface element over a compressive area when the compression element is pressed, and

wherein the contact area is sized to be at least twice as large as the compressive area.

13. A device as in claim 12 , wherein the surface element is a generally planar flexible contact pad having a lower surface, wherein the lower surface defines the contact area.

14. A device as in claim 13 , wherein the lower surface of the contact pad includes an adhesive material.

15. A device as in claim 13 , further comprising at least one measuring element associated with the contact pad, wherein the measuring element is configured to measure a physiological parameter of the patient.

16. A device as in claim 13 , further comprising a display element associated with the contact pad.

17. A device as in claim 16 , wherein the display element is configured to provide patient feedback information.

18. A device as in claim 12 , further comprising at least one electrode associated with the surface element for applying electricity to the body part.

19. A device as in claim 12 , further comprising at least one reference element associated with the surface element to aid in the proper placement of the surface element on the body part.

20. A device as in claim 12 , wherein the predetermined threshold is about 25 pounds.

21. A system for providing a volume exchange cardiopulmonary resuscitation treatment to a patient, the system comprising:

a compression element that is configured to be pressed and lifted;

a flexible surface element operably coupled with the compression element and configured to be removably attached to a body part; and

an occlusion mechanism for occluding the patient's airway during a decompression phase,

wherein the compression element is configured to decouple from the surface element during a volume exchange guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure upon application of a decompressive force to the compression element that exceeds a predetermined threshold, and

wherein the predetermined threshold comprises a release force that is less than a force required to separate the flexible surface element from the body part of the patient.

22. A system as in claim 21 , wherein the occlusion mechanism comprises a one-way valve.

23. A system as in claim 21 , wherein the occlusion mechanism comprises a valve system that allows an operator to ventilate the patient.

24. A system as in claim 21 , further comprising a vacuum source for actively removing respiratory gases from the patient's lungs with a continuous or intermittent low-level vacuum.

25. A system as in claim 21 , wherein the predetermined threshold is about 25 pounds.