Resuscitation
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Observational Study
Chest compressions may be safe in arresting patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
The number of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is increasing each year. Despite a lack of evidence, many emergency medical systems and hospitals have recommended against performing chest compressions in these patients. This deviation from conventional resuscitation algorithms is secondary to concern that chest compressions could dislodge the LVAD. ⋯ In this small retrospective case series, standard chest compressions in patients with LVADs did not cause cannula dislodgment. More research is necessary to determine the utility of chest compressions in the LVAD population.
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Advanced airway management is one of the fundamental skills of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). A failed initial intubation attempt (FIIA) is common and has shown to be associated with adverse events. We analysed the association between FIIA and the overall effectiveness of ACLS. ⋯ FIIA is an independent risk factor for the decreased effectiveness of ACLS.