Administering the noble gas argon during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Inventors
Riess, Matthias L. • Yannopoulos, Demetris • Aufderheide, Tom P.
Assignees
Medical College of Wisconsin • US Department of Veterans Affairs • Vanderbilt University
Publication Number
US-10828436-B2
Publication Date
2020-11-10
Expiration Date
2037-04-05
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Abstract
Method of treating an individual following a period of ischemia are provided. The methods include administering inhaled agents postconditioning to the individual and optionally simultaneously performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The inhaled agents include at least one noble gas.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods of treating an individual following a period of ischemia by administering inhaled agents postconditioning that include at least one noble gas, such as argon or helium, optionally in combination with oxygen, during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The inhaled agent postconditioning can be administered within 15 minutes or longer after the ischemic event and may be provided during the initial reperfusion phase, including simultaneously with CPR. The method can include intentional pauses in chest compressions as an ischemic postconditioning strategy to reduce reperfusion injury.
The problem being addressed is the high mortality and neurological deficits following cardiac arrest, which is exacerbated by reperfusion injury that occurs upon reintroduction of blood flow after prolonged ischemia. Existing therapies such as therapeutic hypothermia have limited applicability, benefiting only a small subset of patients. Pharmacologic postconditioning with intravenous drugs is limited by the need for late intravenous access and timing constraints. Previously, inhaled volatile anesthetics were tried but are complicated by anesthetic side effects, safety issues outside hospital settings, and regulatory restrictions on who can administer them. Thus, there is a need for safe and effective therapies that reduce reperfusion injury during CPR and improve neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims presenting three inventive features related to treating ischemia with noble gas inhalation during CPR.
Inhaled agent postconditioning with non-anesthetic noble gases during CPR
Administering inhaled agent postconditioning comprising at least 50% non-anesthetic noble gas (such as argon or helium) to an individual following ischemia while simultaneously performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, where the agent excludes volatile anesthetics.
Method to reduce injury of myocardial or neuronal cells using noble gas during CPR
Administering inhaled agent postconditioning comprising at least 50% non-anesthetic noble gases to reduce injury of myocardial or neuronal cells following ischemia, performed concurrently with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation combined with noble gas inhalation
Performing chest compressions during CPR with simultaneous administration of inhaled agent postconditioning containing at least 50% non-anesthetic noble gas to the individual receiving CPR.
The claims cover methods of using inhaled noble gases, notably argon and/or helium, devoid of volatile anesthetics, administered during CPR to reduce reperfusion injury and improve treatment outcomes following ischemia, including cell protection and improved cardiac and neurological function.
Stated Advantages
Provides immediate delivery of protective agents via the airways, enabling early intervention without intravenous access.
Avoids negative anesthetic, cardiodepressant, and environmental side effects associated with volatile anesthetics, permitting use outside hospital settings without specialized personnel or systems.
Improves hemodynamics and blood supply to vital organs during CPR, increases rate and time of return of spontaneous circulation, and enhances neurologically favorable survival.
Enabled administration by a wider range of individuals including first responders, facilitating earlier treatment in cardiac arrest.
Combined ischemic postconditioning and noble gas inhalation dramatically improve neurological outcomes and survival even after prolonged untreated cardiac arrest in animal models.
Documented Applications
Treatment of individuals following cardiac arrest or other ischemic events by administering noble gas inhalation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation to reduce reperfusion injury.
Reduction of myocardial and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhaled noble gas postconditioning during initial reperfusion phases.
Use of isotopic postconditioning involving controlled pauses in chest compressions combined with noble gas inhalation during CPR to improve cardiac and neurological recovery.
Use in pre-hospital and emergency settings to enhance survival and neurologically intact outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
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