Patients with oropharyngeal dysphasia are at increased risk for choking which can be a leading cause of death in this population. Currently there are no methods to remove an inhaled object if the traditional Heimlich maneuver fails. LifeVac is an apparatus which is simple to use in order to remove an object lodged in the trachea if the Heimlich maneuver fails.

The Laerdel choking simulator system was used in order to simulate a choking victim. The Laerdel ALS Megacode Kelly, Megacode kid, and were all evaluated. Items most frequently leading to choking deaths include grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, and toy cars and these items were therefore tested. The item was pushed into the airway in order to create an obstruction. The LifeVac unit was then used per standard protocol and the frequency of dislodging the object was recorded.

Using ALS Megacode Kelly with a grape inserted into the airway the LifeVac successfully moved the object 15 out of 19 tries (79%). It was successful in dislodging a hot dog in line with the airway 16 out of 16 tries or 100%. When the hot dog was perpendicular 4/5 or 80% were successful. Popcorn was removed in 8 of 8 tries or 100%, and 5 out of 5 toy cars in line with the airway or 100% were removed. Using the Laerdel Megacode kid with SIM pad 12 out of 12 grapes were removed (100%), 10 of 10 hot dogs were removed as well. 5 cars however did not move. Using the Laerdel airway trainer 14 hot dogs were all removed successful.

LifeVac is an apparatus that is simple to use and is an effective method in successfully dislodging an object lodged in the airway of a choking victim.