MICHIGAN INSTRUMENTS INTRODUCES A NEW AND IMPROVED MECHANICAL CPR SYSTEM 

Grand Rapids, MI – February 25, 2008 -- Michigan Instruments, Inc. (Michigan Instruments) today announces the launch of its new life support device, Life-Stat^™, that provides effective, consistent hands-free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  This life-saving mechanical CPR device provides rescuer hands-free AHA Guideline-compliant CPR in either the 30:2 compression to ventilation ratio or continuous chest compressions with asynchronous ventilation modes of operation. 

Formerly known as the Thumper^® CPR System, the recently FDA cleared Life-Stat^™ is based on Michigan Instruments’ proven mechanical CPR principles developed over the last forty years combined with modern electronic control.  Developed in accordance with the current AHA Guidelines for CPR, Life-Stat^™ is meant to be used by all types of EMS and hospital applications and will be made available worldwide.

The Life-Stat^™ is based on the proven and reliable technology of Michigan Instruments’ previous mechanical CPR devices but it is modernized by the use of electronic control to coordinate chest compressions with ventilation.  Life-Stat^™ mechanical CPR can be rapidly deployed and set up such that there is virtually no loss of chest compressions during transition from manual CPR.  Once the Life-Stat^™ is applied to the patient, the rescuers are freed to provide further treatment because they are spared the intensive work of manual CPR tasks.  The Life-Stat^™ can provide CPR even when the patient is being carried on an emergency board in stairways from the rescue site to the emergency vehicle.  Once in the emergency vehicle, rescuers can strap in to their seatbelts enroute to the hospital while Life-Stat^™ provides effective, automatic CPR.

 Through electronic controls, the Life-Stat^™ has simplified setup and operation.  It accommodates a wide range of patients, from small adults to bariatric patients.  The Life-Stat^™ produces higher levels of continuous cardiopulmonary support when compared with typical manual CPR.   Life-Stat^™ operates consistently at an optimal chest compression depth with 100 compressions per minute and a pre-programmed Systole/Diastole ratio of 50:50.  It can be quickly changed by electronic control from the 30:2 chest compressions to ventilation ratio for facemask ventilation CPR to the continuous chest compressions with asynchronous ventilation for advanced airway setups.  It does all of this reliably as opposed to manual CPR because manual CPR is very physically demanding and quickly causes noticeable rescuer fatigue.  As reported by the AHA, most rescuers inadvertently perform less effective CPR after only one minute.  They change any or all of the important CPR techniques of chest compression depth, rate, or ratio especially as fatigue sets in.  This compromises circulation of blood needed to maintain the vital organs.  To provide effective manual CPR, rescuers need to change places at least every two minutes.  In contrast, using the Life-Stat^™ a rescuer can provide AHA Guideline consistent and effective CPR continuously for as long as needed regardless of rescuer size or physical condition.

 The Life-Stat^™ is meant to be used in a variety of settings including ambulances, air medivac units, EMT rescue, fire rescue, emergency department, as well as in-hospital areas such as coronary and intensive care units, cardiac catheterization labs and organ transplant facilities.

 Michigan Instruments has designed and manufactured specialized medical equipment related to the fields of cardiovascular medicine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and respiratory therapy for over forty years.  The company has built a reputation for products of unexcelled quality, which has earned the respect from thousands of customers, associates, and medical professionals throughout the world.  Michigan Instruments complies with Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for Good Manufacturing Practices as well as international ISO standards for quality management systems.  Both the FDA and ISO systems require continuous control over all activities that assure the quality of Michigan Instruments products and services.  Michigan Instruments has built a strong foundation for growth based on the dedication of its staff, a close relationship with the medical community, long useful life of its products and by its commitment to produce the highest quality products.