Compression belt system for use with chest compression devices
A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.
1. A system for performing chest compressions on a patient, said system comprising:
a housing suitable for supporting a patient during chest compressions;
a motor and drive spool within the housing for tightening and loosening a belt;
a removable compression belt cartridge comprising:
the belt formed of a band of material of non-uniform width, the belt having two ends and a center section, the center section removably attachable to the drive spool;
a first spreader bar secured to a first portion of the belt;
a second spreader bar secured to a second portion of the belt;
a cover plate removably attachable to the housing.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the non-uniform belt width is shaped like a double-bladed oar.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the non-uniform belt comprises two wide load distribution sections joined by a narrow pull strap section that is removably attachable to the drive spool.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the first spreader bar is secured between a first load distribution section and the pull strap section, and the second spreader bar is secured between a second load distribution section and the pull strap section.
5. A method of performing chest compressions on a patient, said method comprising the steps of:
providing the system for performing chest compressions of claim 1 ;
placing the patient on the housing;
attaching the two ends of the belt to each other over the chest of the patient; and
sequentially tightening and loosening the belt to sequentially compress and expand the chest of the patient and retaining at least one revolution of the belt on the drive spool.