The science behind the LifeVac®
The invention of the LifeVac® by Arthur Lih was inspired by the tragic story of a 6-year-old boy who sadly died after choking on a grape after first aid measures failed. The defined need was a device that was easy to use by anyone, was safe and effective for its intended purpose: the relief of severe upper airway obstruction. First aid measures, while effective in minor (partial) obstructions, had little evidence of strong efficacy in severe obstructions. Of the possible solutions that made it to the prototype phase of design, a plunger arrangement seemed to have some utility in other areas of use. The fundamental issue with this arrangement was the risk of forcing objects further down a person's airway and causing further complications. The solution for prototyping and testing is now the patented and unique, one-way valve assembly that ensures safety to the choking person during operation. An initial adult cadaver study and subsequent manikin studies proved that the mechanism and suction created would successfully and safely remove obstructions from an airway. Data from this study confirmed:
- A high success rate with a single application of the LifeVac® device
- The creation of an effective negative pressure 300mmHg (3-4 times that created by Abdominal Thrusts [Heimlich Manoeuvre]
- No evidence of injury or regurgitation due to a collapsing of the esophagus during operation of the LifeVac®
- The potential for equally successful results on people of different body shape sizes
- Equal results in various patient positions.
After engineering re-design to ensure durability, reliability, ease of manufacture and safety; the LifeVac® was listed with the regulator (FDA).