LUCAS set to transform heart attack treatment (From Wandsworth Guardian)

LUCAS set to transform heart attack treatment at St George's, Tooting

7:00am Sunday 22nd April 2012 in News

Heart patients treated at St George’s Hospital are to benefit from cutting-edge technology that is helping doctors save the lives of people who suffer a heart attack.

LUCAS 2 is an automated chest compression device that takes over the cardiac massage part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a patient goes into cardiac arrest.

This allows doctors to perform emergency treatment quicker which increases the patients’ chance of survival.

The Tooting hospital is one of only three pioneering heart attack centres in London currently using the technology.

Pitt Lim, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for cardiac intervention said: "This device allows blood to continue circulating in patients whose hearts have stopped beating.

"Coupled with our 24/7 enhanced heart attack service, where patients are transferred directly to the operating theatres bypassing even A&E, we are able to push the boundaries and improve on the care we provide our cardiac patients."

Patient Cliff Daubney said: "The care I have received from the team here at St George’s has been phenomenal.

"The nurses are wonderful and have made me very comfortable during my stay here.

"This machine is an amazing piece of equipment, and will help save the lives of many patients."