Docs say traditional CPR rarely works, so they've invented a toilet plunger type device that does.... But it costs $20,000

If the device keeps people having ribs cracked and sternums dislocated from costal cartilages during CPR it might be worth it.

During my residency when I was in the trauma bay or in the CCU it was amazing how often that would happen during codes. It also happens a lot in the field with medics responding to events.

Greed and lawsuits. Epipens are a prime example. A syringe of epinephrine costs a couple bucks, but put it in an auto-inject syringe where people can sue the manufacturer of the injector and the manufacturer holds a patent, the price goes to $350 a dose.

The first time I saw the Stryker CPR machine in action was in the George Floyd videos. It is a fascinating. Takes away a lot of issues with human error. It’s like automation in an industrial setting. A large justification for it is improved quality control.

First of all, it is three devices in one. The benefit of the plunger-like device is that it lift the chest back up after a compression, which greatly helps with blood flow. Then, there is mask that helps deliver oxygen and a back support that helps get the chest in the best position for blood circulation with the head. All three devices had to get FDA approval and probably had to go through a second round to get the combined device approved. So, like all drugs and medical devices, the company bringing it to market has to recoup its R&D and FDA approval costs while taking advantage of its patent window to make a profit.

As for a cost benefit analysis, this device may actually be one of the best bargains out there. It can be used over and over for a several years. If you use it on just 500 patients over the life of the machine, you just have to charge $40 per use to recover the cost of the machine. The average cost of an ambulance ride is about $1,300.00 by contrast. And maintaining a good blood and oxygen flow to the brain during a cardiac event can make a huge difference on whether the patient survives and whether there is any brain damage.

funny how they never say traditional CPR rarely works when promoting the CPR classes, but now that they have a new invention $$$$$

If the toilet plunger worked - hey here's an idea

Use a toilet plunger

From the genius of... letsrun.com

CPR isn't meant to bring you back to life. If you don’t know what CPR is for you can just ask instead if coming across as an idiot.

Look at this way. How many lives were saved because someone ATTEMPTED CPR as opposed to filming the lifeless body for TikTok or world star?

All about the money. I have seen CPR "work" in person twice out of two tries and I don't work in a hospital or anything. So that's 100% success rate in my book.

For that price, I’d expect it to at least double up as a toilet plunger if the plumbing develops sudden congestive atherosclerosis.

i don't understand, how would sending $10k to Africa help people who need CPR?

so lemme get this straight, if your loved one needed CPR, you wouldn't help her but would instead mail money to Africa? Do I have that right?

*help that person

Rojo's Wife: *signals that she is choking*
Rojo: Hold on, honey! I'm going to mail $20k to Africa. I somehow determined that $10k is the cost to save ONE life in Africa, so I'll mail $20k to Africa, as that will save TWO lives as $10 k times two equals $20k as you are ONE person as TWO people is more than one as saving TWO people is better than saving ONE

Isn't this similar to the Lucas device that has been shown to be not more effective than chest compressions when it comes to survival ?

You know CPR isn't for choking right?

So, first, if this device saves someone's life, it's obviously worth $20,000. It's 'social value' would be in the millions.

Second, Rojo, this is how R&D works: you start out charging a lot of money for something to make up for the upfront costs (capital expenditures, or CAPEX), and over time, the price of the item falls until it's more or less around the price it costs to produce a marginal unit. Patents facilitate this. That's how we get stuff we value, like vaccines or new phones.

The device frees up staff to do other things. Death still remains high when cardiac arrest occurs outside of the hospital setting.

My sister was 0-3 when using CPR.

Rather than complaining, let's recognize the ingenuity of folks to come up with the device.
As for the $20K, my guess it can be widely used in hospitals, ambulances, by fire depts, paramedics, etc and maybe even be in place at facilitities along side AEDs (they serve different roles).

I would say the potential ROI on that $20K would be superior to sending $10K to the poor in Africa.