Resuscitation
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Without an easy method to monitor the performance of prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), earlier studies have not been able to assess the quality of CPR. In this study, we have used a new approach to evaluate prehospital CPR performance and the impact on outcome using data retrieved from the automatic external defibrillators (AED). ⋯ The quality of prehospital CPR is associated with a greater likelihood of survival in witnessed VF arrests in need of post-shock CPR. The potential of widely available electrocardiography and voice records in AEDs in providing a convenient and real-time evaluation of prehospital CPR should be explored further.
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Induced hypothermia is underused after resuscitation from cardiac arrest: a current practice survey.
Important recent work has demonstrated that the use of induced hypothermia can improve survival and neurologic recovery after cardiac arrest. We wished to ascertain the extent to which physicians were using this treatment, and what opinions are held by clinicians regarding its use. ⋯ Despite compelling data supporting its use, hypothermia has yet to be broadly incorporated into physician practice. This highlights the need for improved awareness and education regarding this treatment option, as well as the need to consider hypothermia protocols for inclusion in future iterations of ACLS.
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Comparative Study
Effects of intravenous arginine vasopressin on epicardial coronary artery cross sectional area in a swine resuscitation model.
Although arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been shown to be a promising drug during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), concern has been raised about the potential for AVP-mediated vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries. In a prospective, randomized laboratory investigation employing an established porcine model, the effects of AVP on haemodynamic variables, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery cross sectional area employing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and return of spontaneous circulation were studied. During sinus rhythm, the LAD coronary artery cross sectional area was measured by IVUS at baseline, and 90 s and 5 min after AVP (0.4 U/kg IV). ⋯ Similarly during ventricular fibrillation and CPR plus AVP, the mid-LAD coronary artery cross sectional area increased at 90 s after AVP compared with baseline (9.5+/-.6mm2 versus 11.0+/-.7mm2; P<.05). Moreover, the cross sectional area increased further 5 min after return of spontaneous circulation (9.5+/-.6mm2 versus 14.0+/-.8mm2, P<.05). In conclusion, in this experimental model with normal coronary arteries, AVP resulted in significantly increased LAD coronary artery cross sectional area during normal sinus rhythm, during ventricular fibrillation with CPR, and after return of spontaneous circulation.
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To determine if 15 min of open-chest cardiac massage (OC-CPR) versus closed-chest compressions (CC-CPR) improves 72-h survival and neurologic outcome (behavioral and histologic) after 5 min of untreated cardiac arrest. ⋯ In our canine model of cardiac arrest, OC-CPR significantly improved 72-h survival and neurologic outcome when compared to CC-CPR.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
CPR for children: one hand or two?
Current guidelines for chest compressions in CPR advocate a one handed technique in children (1-8 years old) and a two handed technique in adults (>8 years old). No previous study has examined whether these two techniques generate different compression pressures. This study assesses the relative difference in intrathoracic compression pressures generated by one- and two handed chest compression techniques in a paediatric manikin. ⋯ Two handed chest compression CPR seems to be easier to perform on a paediatric resuscitation manikin and produces significantly higher mean and peak pressures. Further work is needed to determine the comparative effects on children and which technique produces better clinical outcomes.