Cuirass
Annette Hanna (nete1(AT)midwest.net)
Sat, 28 Dec 1996 22:05:16 -0600
> A cuirass is basically a plastic shell that is molded to fit
>over your chest. There is padding around the edges to prevent it from
>cutting into your ribs. It looks like a bubble over your chest. It is
>held in place by straps under your back. It is a negative pressure
>ventilator that works on the same principle as a iron lung, but is far
>less cumbersome.
>
> When the cuirass is strapped in place, you attach a hose to an
>opening in the top. This hose leads to a negative pressure machine that
>operates the breathing proceedure. Since this machine is a negative
>pressure machine, it creates a vacuum instead of forcing air in as a
>positive pressure machine (ventilator) does.
I have a question...does the cuirass assist in resting the tired muscles
used to breathe as the vent does? I have never heard of one until now.
Thought I was up on all the ventilation devices. I would think it would
make your muscles more fatigued during trying to breathe.
It is good to see that everyone is still around. I was wondering if the
list was still going. I hope that everyone had a good holiday. Happy New
Year to All!!!!
Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midwest.net