Resuscitation
-
An impedance threshold valve (ITV) is a new airway adjunct for resuscitation that permits generation of a small vacuum in the chest during the recoil phase of chest compression. ⋯ An ITV can augment perfusion during CPR. The observed effectiveness of ITVs in the laboratory and in the clinic suggests a thoracic pump mechanism for Standard CPR, and perhaps also an effective compression threshold that must be exceeded to generate blood flow by external chest compression.
-
Comparative Study
The first year after successful cardiac resuscitation: function, activity, participation and quality of life.
To assess cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) and living situation longitudinally up to 1 year after cardiac arrest. ⋯ Most of the improvement resulting in the independence of ADL occurred during the first 45 days. It is important to give the next of kin information about the patient's progress and need for assistance in order to enable them to plan for the future before discharge.
-
We report the case of a victim of deep accidental hypothermia who was extracted from the ice and received 1.5 h of mechanical chest compression. This was followed with rapid rewarming on cardiopulmonary bypass and resulted in good physical and mental recovery. This management option should be considered for similar victims.
-
Comparative Study
Induction of mild hypothermia with infusion of cold (4 degrees C) fluid during ongoing experimental CPR.
Therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation has been shown to improve the outcome regarding neurological state and to reduce mortality. The earlier hypothermia therapy is induced probably the better. We studied the induction of hypothermia with a large volume of intravenous ice-cold fluid after cardiac arrest during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ Inducing hypothermia with a cold infusion seems to be an effective method that can be started even during ongoing CPR. This method might warrant consideration for induction of early therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac arrest victims.