LifeVac was created by LifeVac LLC in Springfield Gardens, N.Y., and the Dechoker was developed by the Salisbury, N.C.-based company Dechoker LLC.
Both devices contain a plastic mask that is placed over the mouth and nose to create a seal, allowing a suction mechanism to dislodge the object trapped in the airway. Air only travels out of the masks, not in, to prevent the obstruction from being pushed farther down the throat.
While both devices have been on the market for about two years, neither company has published scientific evidence of successful use in humans.
If someone is choking and cannot cough up the obstruction, the American Heart Association recommends performing a rapid sequence of abdominal thrusts on the patient. The organization does not recommend a new technique until there are published reports of its success in scientific journals.
More articles on medical devices:
FDA approves new ultrasound device to treat essential tremor
Newly approved heart stent implanted into first patient
FDA approves single-dose monthly injector for cholesterol drug
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