Fulminant sepsis secondary to severe lung contusion from the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System device

Abstract

Introduction

Portable mechanical chest compression devices have been developed to improve upon many problems of manual compression, increase patient survival, and improve neurologic outcomes. However, the use of these devices is not without risk of harm to the patient.

Case Report

We describe a patient who received chest compressions from a mechanical compression device after cardiac arrest and subsequently developed fulminant sepsis secondary to lung contusions and a necrotizing pulmonary infection.

Discussion

Although injuries from the LUCAS have been reported, we believe this is the first reported fatal complication related to direct pulmonary injury from a mechanical compression device.

Conclusion

More investigation is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of the LUCAS especially in obese patients.