Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
New visual feedback device improves performance of chest compressions by professionals in simulated cardiac arrest.
Quality of external chest compression (ECC) is a key component of Basic Life Support. Different approaches to improve rescuers' performance have been evaluated, but few attempts have been made to invent simple devices to improve performance. This study evaluates a new visual feedback system for ECC for healthcare professionals. ⋯ The new visual feedback device significantly improved ECC performance (compression rate and depth) by healthcare professionals in simulated cardiac arrest. Most participants found the device easy to use.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Quality of closed chest compression on a manikin in ambulance vehicles and flying helicopters with a real time automated feedback.
Automated verbal and visual feedback improves quality of resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and was proven to increase short-term survival. Quality of resuscitation may be hampered in more difficult situations like emergency transportation. Currently there is no evidence if feedback devices can improve resuscitation quality during different modes of transportation. ⋯ Real time automated feedback improves certain aspects of CPR quality in flying helicopters and moving ambulance vehicles. The effect of feedback guidance was most pronounced for chest compression rate.
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Episodes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and myocardial dysfunction commonly occur after cardiac resuscitation compromising the return of stable circulation. We investigated in a pig model of VF whether limiting Na(+)-induced cytosolic Ca(2+) overload using the sarcolemmal sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) inhibitor cariporide promotes resuscitation with stable circulation. ⋯ Cariporide administered at the start of chest compression may help restore electrically and mechanically stable circulation after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
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Hypothermia treatment with cold intravenous infusion and ice packs after cardiac arrest has been described and used in clinical practice. We hypothesised that with this method a target temperature of 32-34 degrees C could be achieved and maintained during treatment and that rewarming could be controlled. ⋯ Intravenous cold saline infusion combined with ice packs is effective in inducing and maintaining therapeutic hypothermia, with good temperature control even during rewarming.
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Comparative Study
Tracheal temperature for monitoring body temperature during mild hypothermia in pigs.
Out-of-hospital induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest needs easy to use and accurate body temperature monitoring. The aim of the study was to evaluate the best temperature probe position on a specially designed tracheal tube, as compared to pulmonary artery temperature (Tpa) during cooling to mild hypothermia in pigs. ⋯ Tracheal temperature is an accurate surrogate for body temperature during fast and slow cooling to mild hypothermia in pigs and regardless of the location of the temperature probe on the tube.