Forensic science international
-
Review Comparative Study
Review of active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACD-CPR). Analysis of iatrogenic complications and their biomechanical explanation.
Our review takes a critical look at the active compression-decompression technique (ACD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ACD-CPR was developed following a report of successful resuscitation performed by a medical amateur using a household plunger. The efficacy of the principle of active decompression has been demonstrated by animal and human studies. ⋯ The lower the sternum is sunken compared with the surrounding structures, the higher the force which is transmitted via the central area of the device onto the sternum. The rubber cushion pad shortens the distance between CardioPump and sternum by 5 mm and therefore increases the sternal loading. Sex differences in the shape of the sternum and especially the thickness may account for the significant correlation between sternum fractures and female sex.