Medtronic Inc. is distributing a medical device in the United States that mechanically thumps the chests of heart attack patients as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Fridley-based company said Monday.Called the Lucas Chest Compression System, the Swedish-made device has been used in European countries since 2004 and is being tested in Minnesota by Allina Medical Transportation. Medtronic’s Physio-Control division, which is based in Washington state, has been the exclusive distribution partner for the device in Europe.
