Resuscitation
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Over the last 15 years supraglottic airway devices (SADs), most notably the classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA) have revolutionised airway management in anaesthesia. In contrast for resuscitation, both in and outside hospital, facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation remain the mainstays of airway management. However there is evidence that both these techniques have complications and are often poorly performed by inexperienced personnel. ⋯ This pragmatic review examines recent developments in SAD technology and the relevance of this to the potential for using SADs during resuscitation. In addition to examining research directly related to resuscitation both on bench models and in patients the review also examines evidence from anaesthetic practice. SADS discussed include the classic, intubating and Proseal LMAs, the combitube, the laryngeal tube, laryngeal tube sonda mark I and II and single use laryngeal masks.
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Comparative Study
Application of normothermic cardiac arrest algorithms to hypothermic cardiac arrest in a canine model.
International guidelines (2000) do not recommend vasopressor and antiarrhythmic medications during ventricular fibrillation (VF) with a core temperature below 30 degrees C. The efficacy of normothermic AHA algorithms using standard doses of epinephrine (EPI) (adrenaline) followed by amiodarone (AMIO) in hypothermic VF is uncertain. ⋯ In this model of severe hypothermia, the use of standard 2000 protocols for VF resulted in a significant increase of CPP, and, a higher ROSC rate compared to placebo controls. This study suggests that AHA normothermic algorithms may be beneficial in severe hypothermia.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial
Empiric tenecteplase is associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation and short term survival in cardiac arrest patients unresponsive to standard interventions.
Prospective and retrospective studies have shown that empiric use of fibrinolytic agents in sudden cardiac arrest is safe and may improve outcomes in sudden cardiac arrest. Use of fibrinolytic agents for this indication is increasing in response to these data. ⋯ Empiric fibrinolysis with TNK in cardiac arrest is associated with increased ROSC and short term survival, and with survival to hospital discharge with good neurological function in patients who fail to respond to ACLS. Results may improve with earlier administration. Prospective controlled interventional trials are indicated to evaluate this promising new therapy.
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Comparative Study
Hemodynamic and respiratory effects of negative tracheal pressure during CPR in pigs.
A new device, the intrathoracic pressure regulator (ITPR), was developed to generate continuous negative intrathoracic pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and allow for intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Use of the ITPR has been shown to increase vital organ perfusion and short-term survival rates in pigs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic and blood gas effects of more prolonged (15 min) use of the ITPR during CPR in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. ⋯ ITPR-CPR significantly improved hemodynamics, vital organ perfusion pressures and common carotid blood flow compared to STD-CPR in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest and basic life support. The beneficial hemodynamic effects of ITPR-CPR were sustained at least 15 min without any compromise in oxygenation.
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To describe the rationale, development and initial results of a collaborative pre-hospital pilot project designed to enhance the emergency care needs of an inner city population. ⋯ The PRU provided clinical care beyond that delivered by the ambulance service. It also contributed positively to local ambulance service response times. The service was able to prevent unnecessary ambulance journeys and attendance at hospital. It demonstrates that traditional working practices can be altered to improve the delivery of emergency medical care.