New horizons (Baltimore, Md.)
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Alternative techniques to precordial compression are sought to improve the return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary arrest. The pathophysiology of cardiac arrest and the methods to determine the efficacy of a new technique need critical re-examination. ⋯ Preliminary studies in human cardiopulmonary arrest have been performed with vest CPR and ascending aortic balloon inflation with saline infusion, with favorable hemodynamic results. In parallel with the development of new methods, the availability and adequacy of bystander CPR should be re-emphasized.