Case Study: University of Rochester Medical Center achieves under‑20‑minute ECMO initiation and consistent, guideline‑quality CPR with Stryker's LUCAS device

Success with the LUCAS® chest compression system in the hospital

University of Rochester Medical Center’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit faced challenges with prolonged manual CPR, inconsistent perfusion, delays to ECMO, and overcrowded code rooms as their ECMO program expanded. With a 22-bed CICU and a focus on AHA-guideline–consistent care, the team needed a faster, more reliable approach to resuscitation.

They implemented the LUCAS mechanical chest-compression system alongside an acute shock program that includes an ASRN, designated in-room roles and frequent simulation training. The change cut average LUCAS application to about six seconds, reduced time-to-ECMO to under 20 minutes (as low as 15 minutes in a recent case), standardized use across the hospital, improved team performance, supported successful ECMO starts, and yielded nearly $500K in annual savings.

University of Rochester Medical Center

Lisa M. Owen

rogram Coordinator