cuirass /kwiras″/ [Fr, cuirasse, breastplate] , 1. a negative-pressure full-body respirator. It consists of a rigid shell that conforms to the surfaces of the body from the neck to the hips. Ventilating pressure is delivered through a flexible hose attached to the top of the device. An electrically driven pump is adjusted to match the timing of the patient’s spontaneous breathing. Also called cuirass ventilator. 2. a tightly fitted chest bandage.
