The impedance threshold device (ITD-7) --a new device for combat casualty care to augment circulation and blood pressure in hypotensive spontaneously breathing warfighters
Parsons, D.; Convertino, V.; Idris, A.; Smith, S.; Lindstrom, D.; Parquette, B.; Aufderheide, T.
Journal of Special Operations Medicine a Peer Reviewed Journal for Sof Medical Professionals 9(2): 49-53
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1553-9768 PMID: 19813518 Document Number: 635043
Inspiration through -7cm H2O resistance results in an increase in venous blood flow back to the heart and a subsequent increase in cardiac output and blood pressure in hypotensive animals and patients. Breathing through the impedance threshold device with 7cm H2O resistance (ITD-7) also reduces intracranial pressure with each inspiration, thereby providing greater blood flow to the brain. A new device called an ITD-7 was developed to exploit these physiological mechanisms to buy time in hypotensive War Fighters when other therapies are not readily available. Animal and clinical data with the ITD-7 demonstrate the potential value and limitations of this new non-invasive approach to enhancing circulation.