Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effect of differing support surfaces on the efficacy of chest compressions using a resuscitation manikin model.
External chest compression (ECC) efficacy is influenced by factors including the surface supporting the patient. Air-filled support surfaces are deflated for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with little evidence to substantiate this. We investigated the effect that differing support surfaces had on ECC efficacy using a CPR manikin model. ⋯ The efficacy of ECC is affected by the support surfaces. There seems little evidence to substantiate deflating all air-filled support surfaces for CPR.
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The oesophageal-tracheal Combitube (Kendall-Sheridan Catheter Corp., Argyle, NY) is a device designed for difficult airways and emergency intubation. The manufacturer recommends that the Combitube size 37F SA be used in patients with a height of between 122 and 152 cm. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ventilation is effective and reliable in anaesthetized patients taller than 152 cm using the size 37F SA in the oesophageal position. ⋯ The trachea could be directly intubated with the Combitube in the oesophageal position in patients with normal airways and in patients involved in trauma. In all patients in the emergency group, blind insertion of the Combitube resulted in the device being placed in the oesophagus. The airway protection appears to be adequate.
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Survival from out-of-hospital resuscitation depends on the strength of each component of the chain of survival. We studied, on the scene, witnessed, nontraumatic resuscitations of patients older than 17 years. The influence of the chain of survival and potential predictors on survival was analyzed by logistic regression modeling. ⋯ Three survival models for witnessed nontraumatic out-of-hospital resuscitation based on the information known by bystanders, first responders and paramedics explained survival with increasing precision. Early defibrillation can restore circulation without the need for advanced CPR. When advanced CPR is needed, its delay leads to a markedly reduced survival.
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Insufficient oxygenation, ventilation and gastric inflation with subsequent regurgitation of stomach contents is a major hazard of bag-valve-face mask ventilation during the basic life support phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The European Resuscitation Council has recommended smaller tidal volumes of approximately 500 ml as an effort to reduce gastric inflation; furthermore, the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the laryngeal tube have been recently developed in order to provide rapid ventilation and to secure the airway. The purpose of our study was to examine whether usage of a newly developed medium-size self-inflating bag (maximum volume, 1100 ml) in association with the intubating laryngeal mask airway, and laryngeal tube may provide adequate lung ventilation, while reducing the risk of gastric inflation in a bench model simulating the initial phase of CPR. ⋯ M. lung tidal volumes (605+/-22 vs. 832+/-4 ml, and 666+/-27 vs. 887+/-37 ml, respectively), but comparable peak airway pressures. No gastric inflation occurred when using both devices with either ventilation bag. In conclusion, both the intubating laryngeal mask airway and laryngeal tube in combination with both an 1100 and 1500 ml maximum volume self inflating bag proved to be valid alternatives for emergency airway management in a bench model of a simulated unintubated cardiac arrest victim.
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Chest compressions before initial defibrillation attempts have been shown to increase successful defibrillation. This animal study was designed to assess whether ventricular fibrillation mean frequency after 90 s of basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be used as an indicator of coronary perfusion and mean arterial pressure during CPR. ⋯ In this porcine laboratory model, 90 s and 3 min of CPR improved ventricular fibrillation mean frequency, which correlated positively with coronary perfusion pressure, and mean arterial pressure.