Using paper clips to make simple, effective, and accessible auricular compression devices.

PURPOSE: To investigate the early compression effects of adjustable pressure auricular clips, made of paper clips, during auricular surgery. METHODS: 24 patients who underwent auricular surgery between August 2021 and April 2022 were selected as the study participants. Doctors used ear clips made of paper clips to prevent postoperative complications in these patients. RESULTS: In all 24 patients, the wounds healed by stage I. Except for one case of minor local hematoma, all wounds healed well with no postoperative complications, such as subcutaneous hematoma formation, ulceration, or infected skin necrosis. Moreover, doctors were able to operate in lesser time and more conveniently with the help of the paper-clip devices. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes, for the first time, the use of paper clips to make ear clips with adjustable pressure. This simple device is easy to manufacture, inexpensive to the user, reliable in performance, and remarkable in its clinical effects. As such, the present study provides substantial evidence to suggest that this device should be widely applied in the clinical setting.

Venous thromboembolic prophylaxis: current practice of surgeons in Australia and New Zealand for major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical prophylaxis for venous thrombo-embolic disease (VTE) includes risk assessment, chemical prophylaxis and mechanical prophylaxis (graduated compression stockings [GCS] and/or intermittent pneumatic compression devices [IPCD]). Although there is overwhelming evidence for the need and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis in patients at risk, only about a third of those who are at risk of VTE receive appropriate prophylaxis. OBJECTIVE: There is debate as to the best combination of VTE prophylaxis following abdominal surgery due to lack of evidence. The aim of this survey was to understand this gap between knowledge and practice. METHODS: In 2019 and 2020, a survey was conducted to investigate the current practice of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for major abdominal surgery, with a focus on colorectal resections. The study received ethics approval and involved distributing an 11-item questionnaire to members of two professional surgical societies: the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) and the General Surgeons Australia (GSA). RESULTS: From 214 surgeons: 100% use chemical prophylaxis, 68% do not use a risk assessment tool, 27% do not vary practice according to patient risk factors while > 90% use all three forms of VTE prophylaxis at some stage of treatment. Most surgeons do not vary practice between laparoscopic and open colectomy/major abdominal surgery and only 33% prescribe post-discharge chemical prophylaxis. 42% of surgeons surveyed had equipoise for a clinical trial on the use of IPCDs and the vast majority (> 95%) feel that IPCDs should provide at least a 2% improvement in VTE event rate in order to justify their routine use. CONCLUSION: Most surgeons in Australia and New Zealand do not use risk assessment tools and use all three forms of prophylaxis regardless. Therfore there is a gap between practice and VTE prophylaxis for the use of mechanical prophylaxis options. Further research is required to determine whether dual modality mechanical prophylaxis is incrementally efficacious. Trial Registration- Not Applicable.

Pectus excavatum and mechanical chest compression of a dangerous bond.

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a malformation of the chest characterized by a median depression of the sternum. The incidence of PE is between 0.1% and 0.8%. In the last decade mechanical chest compression devices (MCCD) became of particular interest in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Different devices became available and this resulted in an increase in their use during CPR mainly for practical reasons. Despite their increasing use, little evidence existed for their effectiveness and little was known about complications. Skin lesions and fractures of sternum or ribs are the ones with the highest incidence. Whereas subdiaphragmatic lesions, in particular fatal liver injuries are uncommon and described only in few case reports. In a recent retrospective study, CT was used to determine the proper compression landmark and depth of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in PE patients. The authors showed that the mean Haller Index in PE patients was higher than in controls, thus exposing internal organs to a higher injury risk during standard CPR maneuvers. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of liver injury during mechanical CPR in a patient with PE. Awareness is being raised on tailoring mechanical CPR in patients with chest deformities. Further exploration is needed to determine if there is a strong correlation between mechanical CPR and organ damage in PE. We believe that this case highlights the importance of individualizing CPR techniques.

Comparison of blood flow between two mechanical compression devices using ultrasound: Animal trial.

BACKGROUND: During manual chest compression, maintaining accurate compression depth and consistency is a challenge. Therefore, mechanical chest compression devices(mCCDs) have been increasingly incorporated in clinical practice. Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of these devices is critical for extensive clinical application. Hence, this study compared the cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) efficiency of two chest compression devices, LUCAS™ 3(Physio-Control, Redmond, USA) and Easy Pulse (Schiller Medizintechnik GMBH, Feldkirchen, Germany), in terms of blood flow using ultrasonography(USG) in a swine model. METHODS: A swine model was used to compare two mCCDs, LUCAS™ 3 and Easy Pulse. Cardiac arrest was induced by injecting potassium chloride(KCl) solution in eight male mongrel pigs and the animals were randomly divided into two groups. Mechanical CPR was provided to two groups using LUCAS™ 3(LUCAS™ 3 group) and Easy Pulse(Easy Pulse group). USG was used to measure hemodynamic parameters including femoral peak systolic velocity(PSV) and femoral artery diameters(diameter during systole and diastole). Blood flow rate was calculated by multiplying the PSV and cross-sectional area of the femoral artery during systole. The end-tidal carbon dioxide(EtCo2), chest compression depth was measured. Systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were also measured using an arterial catheter. RESULTS: The chest compression depth was much deeper in LUCAS™ 3 group than Easy Pulse group(LUCAS™ 3: 6.80 cm; Easy Pulse: 3.279 cm, p < 0.001). However, EtCo2 was lower in the LUCAS™ 3 group(LUCAS™ 3: 19.8 mmHg; Easy Pulse: 33.4 mmHg, p < 0.001). The PSV was higher in the LUCAS™ 3 group(LUCAS™ 3: 67.6 cm s-1; Easy Pulse: 55.0 cm s-1, p < 0.001), while the systolic(LUCAS™ 3: 1.5 cm; Easy Pulse: 2.0 cm, p < 0.001) and diastolic diameters were larger in the Easy Pulse group(LUCAS™ 3: 0.4; Easy Pulse: 0.8 cm, p < 0.001). The femoral flood flow rate was also lower in the LUCAS™ 3 group(LUCAS™ 3: 32.55 cm3/s; Easy Pulse: 61.35 cm3/s, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Easy Pulse had a shallower compression depth and slower PSV but had a wider systolic diameter in the femoral artery as compared to that in LUCAS™ 3. Blood flow and EtCo2 were higher in the easy pulse group probably because of the wider diameter. Therefore, an easy pulse may create and maintain more effective intrathoracic pressure.

Guideline No. 417: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide gynaecologists with an algorithm and evidence to guide the use of thromboprophylaxis in gynaecological surgery. TARGET POPULATION: All patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant indications. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The implementation of this guideline will benefit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for the use of perioperative thromboprophylaxis. EVIDENCE: The following search terms were entered into MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane in 2017 and 2018: VTE, PE, DVT, thromboprophylaxis, gynaecological surgery, heparin, graduated compression stocking, intermittent pneumatic stocking, obesity, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, regional anesthesia). Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of these articles. There were no date limits, but search results were limited to English language articles only. Searches were updated and incorporated into the guideline up to September 2018. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations). INTENDED USERS: Gynaecologists and other members of the surgical team. RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Comparison of intermittent pneumatic compression device and compression stockings for workers with leg edema and pain after prolonged standing: a prospective crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: During prolonged standing, insufficient calf muscle pumping accompanies venous stasis and hypertension in the lower legs, resulting in valve dysfunction, venous wall problems, and sub-sequent inflammation. Compression therapy, which includes medical compression stockings (MCS) and mechanical intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for treating chronic venous diseases. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect among resting, IPC and MCS alone, and IPC with MCS in long-standing workers (> 8 h daily). METHODS: This crossover trial was conducted with 39 participants with complaints of leg edema and pain whose work involved standing for more than 8 h daily. Four treatment protocols were established for each visit as follows: protocol A (not wear MCS during work and rest without IPC after work), protocol B (wear MCS during work and rest without IPC after work), protocol C (not wear MCS during work and treat with IPC after work), and protocol D (wear MCS during work and treat with IPC after work). The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for leg pain. The secondary outcomes were leg volume (mL), circumference (cm), extracellular fluid/total body fluid (ECF/TBF), and extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Outcomes were assessed before work (T0), after work (T1), and 60 min after intervention (T2). RESULTS: All four protocols had significantly increased leg pain after work (T0-1) but improved 60 min after intervention (T1-2), particularly protocol C (decreased VAS by 1.9). When leg swelling was compared at T0 and T1, protocols A and C showed significant increases in leg volume and circumference, indicating significant work-induced edema, whereas protocols B and D showed no change or even a decrease. After interventions, leg volume and circumference significantly decreased in protocols A and C, although protocols B and C did not show significant improvement. The ECF/TBF and ECW/TBW of all protocols decreased after interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Leg pain and edema after prolonged standing (T1-T2) in adults were safely and effectively improved by both IPC alone and IPC with MCS. Although the use of MCS during the workday did not show improvement in leg pain immediately after work (T0-T1), both MCS with resting and MCS with IPC decreased leg pain at T1-T2 and prevented leg edema at T0-T1. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial protocol was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0005383, the date of first registration: 08/09/2020).

Thromboprophylaxis with unilateral pneumatic device led to less edema and blood loss compared to enoxaparin after knee arthroplasty: randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis are frequently used together after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Most studies in this context compare anticoagulants versus a combination of these drugs with an intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCD). However, there is uncertainty about the need for the combination of both and whether a unilateral IPCD would alone affect other important clinical outcomes: edema and blood loss. We compared the effects of enoxaparin versus unilateral portable IPCD after TKA on edema and blood loss. We hypothesised that unilateral IPCD would cause the same level of edema and the same blood loss as enoxaparin. METHODS: In this open, randomized trial (1:1), adults with no history of coagulation disorders, anticoagulant use, venous thromboembolism, liver or malignant diseases underwent TKA. For 10 days, participants received the IPCD, used 24 h/day on the operated leg from the end of surgery, or 40 mg of enoxaparin, starting 12 h after surgery. All underwent the same rehabilitation and were encouraged to walk on the same day of surgery. We measured edema (thigh, leg and ankle circumference) before and on the third postoperative day. Blood loss (volume accumulated in the suction drain and drop of hemoglobin and hematocrit in 48 h) was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: We randomized 150 patients and lost 3 to follow-up with enoxaparin and 2 with IPCD. There was no case of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Four patients needed transfusions (three receiving enoxaparin), one had infection and one hemarthrosis (both in the enoxaparin group). Leg circumference increased by approximately 2 cm for enoxaparin group and 1.5 cm in IPCD (p <  0.001). The increase in ankle circumference was about 1.5 cm in the enoxaparin group (p <  0.001), and almost zero in IPCD (p = 0.447). Enoxaparin group lost 566.1 ml (standard deviation, SD, 174.5) of blood in the first 48 h, versus 420.8 ml (SD 142.5) in the IPCD. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusively mechanical prophylaxis after TKA with portable IPCD only on the operated leg reduces leg and ankle swelling and post-operative blood loss compared to exclusively pharmacological prophylaxis with enoxaparin. Portable devices that can prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism without increasing blood loss or other risks should be further investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: REBEC RBR-8k2vpx. Registration date: 06/04/2019.

24-hour interval compression: a plan to balance effectiveness and tolerability for chronic oedema.

As one of the mainstays for the management of chronic oedema, compression is unquestionably an efficacious and important element in treatment pathways during the intensive acute, transition and maintenance phases. Despite the variety of compression technologies on the market, devices to aid application and innovative methods employed by caregivers to encourage adherence to treatment, concordance remain a challenge. Balancing clinical effectiveness and patient comfort, the 24-hour interval plan considers wearer lifestyle and treatment options to tailor types of compression and times during the day and night when compression is worn. This article reviews previously published theories and evidence on which the 24-hour compression plan has been based (Bock et al, 2022).

[Automatic load-distributing band CPR (AutoPulse™) in prone position, feasible?] / Mechanische CPR (AutoPulse™) in Bauchlage, machbar?

BACKGROUND: Due to SARS-CoV­2 respiratory failure, prone positioning of patients with respiratory and hemodynamic instability has become a frequent intervention in intensive care units (ICUs), and even in patients undergoing transfer in an ambulance or helicopter. It has become increasingly important how to perform safe and effective CPR in prone position, achieving both an optimal outcome for the patient and optimal protection of staff from infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted feasibility tests to assess the effects of CPR with an automatic load-distributing band (AutoPulse™) in prone position and discussed different aspects of mechanical chest compression (mCPR) in prone position. RESULTS: In supine position, AutoPulse™ generated a constant pressure depth of 3cm at a frequency of 84/min. In prone position, AutoPulse™ generated a constant pressure depth of 2.6cm at a frequency of 84/min. CONCLUSION: We found mCPR to be feasible in manikins in both prone and supine positions.

[Adult advanced life support]. / Erweiterte lebensrettende Maßnahmen für Erwachsene: Leitlinien des European Resuscitation Council 2021.

These European Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support guidelines are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the prevention of and ALS treatments for both in-hospital cardiac arrest and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The use of intermittent pneumatic compression of the thigh to affect arterial and venous blood flow proximal to a chronic wound site.

Intermittent pneumatic compression of the lower limbs has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with chronic ulceration. However, the intermittent compression cuff will normally be applied over the wound, which may produce discomfort or interfere with other treatments. Thigh-only approaches to intermittent pneumatic compression could solve this problem. This study aimed to demonstrate if such a system would have positive effects on venous and arterial blood flow distal to the compression site, but proximal to wound sites. The distal venous and arterial effects of a prototype thigh-only 3-chamber sequential intermittent pneumatic compression system were tested in 20 healthy volunteers, and 13 patients with ulcers of various aetiologies using Doppler ultrasound. The system produced hyperaemic responses in the arterial flow of both test groups. The peak venous velocity on deflation of the first and second chambers of the cuff was also greater in the patients with ulceration than in the healthy volunteers (11.6 cm/s vs 8.3 cm/s, P = .1). This work demonstrates that compression of the thigh alone can produce positive haemodynamic effects in the calves of patients with chronic wounds, and that this approach should be investigated as a therapy to improve blood flow to wound sites.

A prospective pilot study of thigh-administered intermittent pneumatic compression in the management of hard-to-heal lower limb venous and mixed aetiology ulcers.

This was a prospective observational pilot study of a unique intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device designed to be applied in the thigh region of the affected limb in patients with lower limb ulceration of both venous and mixed (venous and arterial) aetiologies. This compression system consists of a circumferential three-chamber thigh garment and an electronic pneumatic compression pump operating over a repeated 4-minute cycle. Patients were recruited from outpatient wound clinics. Those recruited were treated with standard therapy in addition to IPC, which was applied for 2 hours per day, and followed up for a total of 8 weeks. The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of IPC on wound healing over an 8-week period. The other objectives were to assess patients' experiences of pain and the acceptability of IPC device. Twenty-one patients were recruited, and wounds progressed towards healing in 95.24% (20/21) of the patients. Pain scores decreased in 83.33% (15/18) of the patients. Most patients felt that the thigh-applied IPC device was comfortable and easy to apply and remove. The thigh-administered IPC device can be recommended for use in routine clinical practice, especially when other treatment options are limited.

Frequency and intensity of pulmonary bone marrow and fat embolism due to manual or automated chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Iatrogenic consequences of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) include sternal or rib fractures, pulmonary bone marrow embolisms (BME) and fat embolisms (FE). This report aimed to analyze the frequency and intensity of pulmonary BME and FE in fatal cases receiving final CPR efforts with the use of automated chest compression devices (ACCD) or manual chest compressions (mCC). The study cohort (all cardiac causes of death, no ante-mortem fractures) consisted of 15 cases for each group 'ACCD', 'mCC' and 'no CPR'. Lung tissue samples were retrieved and stained with hematoxylin eosin (n = 4 each) and Sudan III (n = 2 each). Evaluation was conducted microscopically for any existence of BME or FE, the frequency of BME-positive vessels, vessel size for BME and the graduation according to Falzi for FE. The data were compared statistically using non-parametric analyses. All groups were matched except for CPR duration (ACCD > mCC) but this time interval was linked to the existence of pulmonary BME (p = 0.031). Both entities occur in less than 25% of all cases following unsuccessful CPR. BME was only detectable in CPR cases, but was similar between ACCD and mCC cases for BME frequency (p = 0.666), BME intensity (p = 0.857) and the size of BME-affected pulmonary vessels (p = 0.075). If any, only mild pulmonary FE (grade I) was diagnosed without differences in the CPR method (p = 0.624). There was a significant correlation between existence of BME and FE (p = 0.043). Given the frequency, intensity and size of pulmonary BME and FE following CPR, these conditions may unlikely be considered as causative for death in case of initial survival but can be found in lower frequencies in autopsy histology.

Achilles tendon rupture healing is enhanced by intermittent pneumatic compression upregulating collagen type I synthesis.

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: Adjuvant intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) during leg immobilization following Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) has been shown to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether IPC can also promote tendon healing. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with surgical repair of acute ATR were post-operatively leg immobilized and prospectively randomized. Patients were allocated for 2 weeks of either adjuvant IPC treatment (n = 74) or treatment-as-usual (n = 74) in a plaster cast without IPC. The IPC group received 6 h daily bilateral calf IPC applied under an orthosis on the injured side. At 2 weeks post-operatively, tendon healing was assessed using microdialysis followed by enzymatic quantification of tendon callus production, procollagen type I (PINP) and type III (PIIINP) N-terminal propeptide, and total protein content. 14 IPC and 19 cast patients (control group) consented to undergo microdialysis. During weeks 3-6, all subjects were leg-immobilized in an orthosis without IPC. At 3 and 12 months, patient-reported outcome was assessed using reliable questionnaires (ATRS and EQ-5D). At 12 months, functional outcome was measured using the validated heel-rise test. RESULTS: At 2 weeks post-rupture, the IPC-treated patients exhibited 69% higher levels of PINP in the ruptured Achilles tendon (AT) compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Interestingly, the IPC-treated contralateral, intact AT also demonstrated 49% higher concentrations of PINP compared to the non-treated intact AT of the plaster cast group (p = 0.002). There were no adverse events observed associated with IPC. At 3 and 12 months, no significant (n.s.) differences between the two treatments were observed using patient-reported and functional outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant IPC during limb immobilization in patients with ATR seems to effectively enhance the early healing response by upregulation of collagen type I synthesis, without any adverse effects. Whether prolonged IPC application during the whole immobilization period can also lead to improved long-term clinical healing response should be further investigated. The healing process during leg immobilization in patients with Achilles tendon rupture can be improved through adjuvant IPC therapy, which additionally prevents deep venous thrombosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

A systematic review of mechanical thromboprophylaxis in the lithotomy position.

BACKGROUND: Venous thrombosis and compartment syndrome are potentially serious complications of prolonged, lithotomy position surgery. It is unclear whether mechanical thromboprophylaxis in this group of patients modifies the risk of compartment syndrome. This qualitative systematic review examines the evidence base to guide clinical practice. METHOD: A systematic review was performed guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, to identify studies reporting relationships between lithotomy position, compartment syndrome and mechanical thromboprophylaxis. The aim was to determine if mechanical thromboprophylaxis influenced compartment syndrome risk in the lithotomy position. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were identified: eight case reports or case series (12 patients), two completed audit cycles (approximately 2000 patients), four reviews and two volunteer case control studies (33 subjects). There were no randomised studies. Nine studies associated mechanical thromboprophylaxis with compartment syndrome risk but in each case a causative relationship was speculative. In contrast, five papers, including an experimental, cohort study and two observational, population studies recommended intermittent pneumatic compression as prevention against compartment syndrome in lithotomy position. One review and one case report were unable to make a recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The level of evidence addressing the interaction between the lithotomy position, compartment syndrome and mechanical thromboprophylaxis is weak. There is no conclusive evidence that mechanical thromboprophylaxis causes compartment syndrome in the lithotomy position. There is limited evidence to suggest intermittent pneumatic compression may be a safe method of mechanical thromboprophylaxis if accompanied by strict adherence to other measures to reduce the chance of compartment syndrome. However further studies are required.

[S1 guideline on intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)]. / S1-Leitlinie Intermittierende Pneumatische Kompression (IPK, AIK).

Under the direction of the German Society of Phlebology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie) and in cooperation with other specialist associations, the S1 guideline on intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) was adopted in January 2018. It replaces the previous guideline from March 2005. The aim of the guideline is to optimize the indication and therapeutic use of IPC in vascular diseases and edema. An extensive literature search of MEDLINE, existing guidelines, and work relevant to the topic was performed. In view of the often methodologically weak study quality with often small numbers of cases and heterogeneous treatment protocols, recommendations can often only be derived from the available data using good clinical practice/expert consensus. Intermittent pneumatic compression is used for thromboembolism prophylaxis, decongestive therapy for edema, and to positively influence arterial and venous circulation to improve clinical symptoms and accelerate ulcer healing in both the outpatient and inpatient care setting. The therapy regimens and devices used depend on the indication and target location. They can be used as outpatient and inpatient devices as well as at home for long-term indications. A target indication is thrombosis prophylaxis. IPC should be used in severe chronic venous insufficiency (stages C4b to C6), in extremity lymphedema as an add-on therapy and in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) with stable intermittent claudication or critical ischemia. IPC can be used in post-traumatic edema, therapy-resistant venous edema, lipedema and hemiplegia with sensory deficits and edema. Absolute and relative contraindications to IPC must be taken into account and risks considered and avoided as far as possible. Adverse events are extremely rare if IPC is used correctly. If the indication and application are correct-also as an add-on therapy-it is a safe and effective treatment method, especially for the treatment of the described vascular diseases and edema as well as thrombosis prophylaxis.

Chest compression-associated injuries in cardiac arrest patients treated with manual chest compressions versus automated chest compression devices (LUCAS II) - a forensic autopsy-based comparison.

The aim of this autopsy study was to investigate chest-compression associated injuries to the trunk in out-of-hospital and in-hospital non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients treated with automated external chest compression devices (ACCD; all with LUCAS II devices) versus exclusive manual chest compressions (mCC). In this retrospective single-center study, all forensic autopsies between 2011 and 2017 were included. Injuries following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in patients treated with mCC or ACCD were investigated and statistically compared using a bivariate logistic regression. In the seven-year period with 4433 autopsies, 614 were analyzed following CPR (mCC vs. ACCD: n = 501 vs. n = 113). The presence of any type of trunk injury was correlated with longer resuscitation intervals (30 ± 15 vs. 44 ± 25 min, p < 0.05). In comparison with mCC, treatment with ACCD led to more frequent skin emphysema (5 vs 0%, p = 0.012), pneumothorax (6 vs. 1%, p = 0.008), lung lesions (19 vs. 4%, p = 0.008), hemopericardium (3 vs 1%, p = 0.025) and liver lesions (10 vs. 1%, p = 0.001), all irrespective of confounding aspects. Higher age and longer CPR durations statistically influenced frequency of sternal and rib fractures (p < 0.001). The mean number of fractured ribs did not vary significantly between the groups (6 ± 3 vs. 7 ± 2, p = 0.09). In this cohort with unsuccessful CPR, chest compression-related injuries were more frequent following ACCD application than in the mCC group, but with only minutely increased odds ratios. The severity of injuries did not differ between the groups, and no iatrogenic injury was declared by the forensic pathologist as being fatal. In the clinical routine after successful return of spontaneous circulation a computed tomography scan for CPR-associated injuries is recommended as soon as possible.

Effectiveness of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in High-Risk Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis regimens include pharmacologic and mechanical options such as intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCDs). There are a wide variety of IPCDs available, but it is uncertain if they vary in effectiveness or ease of use. This is a systematic review of the comparative effectiveness of IPCDs for selected outcomes (mortality, venous thromboembolism [VTE], symptomatic or asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis, major bleeding, ease of use, and adherence) in postoperative surgical patients. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL from January 1, 1995, to October 30, 2014, for randomized controlled trials, as well as relevant observational studies on ease of use and adherence. RESULTS: We identified 14 eligible randomized controlled trials (2633 subjects) and 3 eligible observational studies (1724 subjects); most were conducted in joint arthroplasty patients. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices were comparable to anticoagulation for major clinical outcomes (VTE: risk ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-2.64). Limited data suggest that concurrent use of anticoagulation with IPCD may lower VTE risk compared with anticoagulation alone, and that IPCD compared with anticoagulation may lower major bleeding risk. Subgroup analyses did not show significant differences by device location, mode of inflation, or risk of bias elements. There were no consistent associations between IPCDs and ease of use or adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are appropriate for VTE thromboprophylaxis when used in accordance with current clinical guidelines. The current evidence base to guide selection of a specific device or type of device is limited.

Adaptation of external counterpulsation based on individual shear rate therapy improves endothelial function and claudication distance in peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: External counterpulsation therapy enhances blood flow and was shown to improve endothelial function and quality of life in coronary artery disease patients. However, high pressures of up to 300 mmHg may lead to malperfusion of the ischaemic limb. To improve the clinical outcome of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), we adjusted external counterpulsation and developed a novel non-invasive approach termed individual shear rate therapy (ISRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, 14 patients with a Fontaine stage IIb and femoral-popliteal PAD underwent 30 hours of ISRT over 5 weeks. For ISRT, individual treatment pressures that do not exceed 160 mmHg were assessed by Doppler flow parameters during counterpulsation (individual shear rate diagnosis) in order to enhance and maximise peripheral perfusion. The study aimed to enhance peripheral perfusion and evaluate the primary clinical endpoint endothelial function, as well as to perform preliminary analysis of the ankle brachial index (ABI) and walking distance. RESULTS: Doppler flow measurements in the lower limb (ankle) validated that maximum blood flow velocity during systole and acceleration doubled during ISRT. Study results demonstrated that long-term ISRT significantly increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery (0.13+/- 0.09 mm to 0.38+/- 0.05 mm; p < 0.05), while nitromediated dilation (0.36+/- 0.10 mm to 0.45+/- 0.08 mm) remained and common femoral artery FMD did not reach statistical significance (0.38+/- 0.08 mm to 0.67+/- 0.19 mm; p<0.05). Initial claudication distance considerably improved for all patients after 30 hours of ISRT (92.6 +/- 8.2 metres to 280+/- 101.3 metres, p<0.05), just like the absolute claudication distance, which showed a more than 2.5-fold increase (167.8+/- 18.1 metres to 446.7+/- 133.3 metres; p<0.05). The ABI did not improve (0.58+/- 0.03 to 0.65+/- 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that long-term ISRT is a potential novel non-invasive treatment to improve endothelial function and absolute pain-free walking distance for PAD patients.

Mobile compression devices and aspirin for VTE prophylaxis following simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

Recently, Levy et al questioned the effectiveness of mobile compression devices (MCDs) as the sole method of thromboprophylaxis following simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study's purpose was to assess if the addition of aspirin to MCDs improves venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention following simultaneous bilateral TKA. Ninety-six patients (192 TKAs) were retrospectively reviewed: 47 patients received MCDs for 10 days and aspirin for 6 weeks postoperatively based on a risk stratification protocol, while 49 patients received warfarin for 4 weeks postoperatively. One symptomatic VTE was noted in the warfarin cohort, while one patient in the MCD/aspirin cohort and three patients in the warfarin cohort were readmitted within 3 months of surgery. In appropriately selected patients, MCDs with aspirin shows promise in VTE prevention following simultaneous bilateral TKA.