Jolife AB announced the launch of its second generation LUCAS Chest Compression System - intended for use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of cardiac arrest patients in Europe and Canada. LUCAS mechanical chest compressions help keep the personnel safe and have shown to increase operational efficacy of emergency care systems as well as the opportunities for improved patient outcomes.

The second generation LUCAS 2 builds upon the well-proven LUCAS 1 technology, but with a change of driving source from pneumatic to electric. LUCAS 2 may be operated either on battery alone or from the wall or car electricity outlets. This increases operational flexibility as well as reliability whether the patient is treated by ambulance personnel in the field or in the hospital. It is now one unit to carry and store, and incorporates new features such as alerts and pauses to aid ventilation during compressions, a softer start at adjustment to the patient’s chest and a quieter operation.

“With the LUCAS 2 we now offer a solution to customers that prefer a battery powered device, and the LUCAS 1 for those who prefer the pneumatic solution”, says Erik von Schenck, CEO of JOLIFE AB. “The modern battery requires a minimum of maintenance, and makes the device the most compact, lightweight and portable mechanical CPR device on the market”.

LUCAS 2 is CE-marked for sales in Europe and has got approval also in Canada and will be commercially available after the summer. LUCAS 2 is developed and manufactured by Jolife AB, Lund, Sweden, and distributed worldwide by Physio-Control, Inc., a division of Medtronic Inc.