Cardiopulmonary resuscitation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a comprehensive review and recommendations for practice.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) presents unique challenges due to limited access to patients in cardiac arrest (CA) and the distinct physiological conditions present during hyperbaric therapy. Despite these challenges, guidelines specifically addressing CPR during HBOT are lacking. This review aims to consolidate the available evidence and offer recommendations for clinical practice in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL using the search string: "(pressure chamber OR decompression OR hyperbaric) AND (cardiac arrest OR cardiopulmonary resuscitation OR advanced life support OR ALS OR life support OR chest compression OR ventricular fibrillation OR heart arrest OR heart massage OR resuscitation)". Additionally, relevant publications and book chapters not identified through this search were included. RESULTS: The search yielded 10,223 publications, with 41 deemed relevant to the topic. Among these, 18 articles (primarily case reports) described CPR or defibrillation in 22 patients undergoing HBOT. The remaining 23 articles provided information or recommendations pertaining to CPR during HBOT. Given the unique physiological factors during HBOT, the limitations of current resuscitation guidelines are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: CPR in the context of HBOT is a rare, yet critical event requiring special considerations. Existing guidelines should be adapted to address these unique circumstances and integrated into regular training for HBOT practitioners. This review serves as a valuable contribution to the literature on "CPR under special circumstances".

Automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices versus manual chest compressions in the treatment of cardiac arrest: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing machine to human.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in industrialised countries. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines follow the principles of closed chest compression as described for the first time in 1960. Mechanical CPR devices are designed to improve chest compression quality, thus considering the improvement of resuscitation outcomes. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology to assess trials investigating the therapeutic effect of automated mechanical CPR devices at the rate of return of spontaneous circulation, neurological state and secondary endpoints (including short-term and long-term survival, injuries and surrogate parameters for CPR quality) in comparison with manual chest compressions in adults with cardiac arrest. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A sensitive search strategy will be employed in established bibliographic databases from inception until the date of search, followed by forward and backward reference searching. We will include randomised and quasi-randomised trials in qualitative analysis thus comparing mechanical to manual CPR. Studies reporting survival outcomes will be included in quantitative analysis. Two reviewers will assess independently publications using a predefined data collection form. Standardised tools will be used for data extraction, risks of bias and quality of evidence. If enough studies are identified for meta-analysis, the measures of association will be calculated by dint of bivariate random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated by I2-statistics and explored through sensitivity analysis. By comprehensive subgroup analysis we intend to identify subpopulations who may benefit from mechanical or manual CPR techniques. The reporting follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval will be needed because data from previous studies will be retrieved and analysed. Most resuscitation studies are conducted under an emergency exception for informed consent. This publication contains data deriving from a dissertation project. We will disseminate the results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017051633.

Interfacility Open Chest Cardiothoracic Patients: Treatment and Transport Considerations.

Open chest cardiothoracic transports are becoming more common; however, they require more planning and critical thinking before initiating transport. These patients require complex treatment modalities and extensive training of the crews transporting them to include, but not limited to, the ability to internally defibrillate using paddles, effective open cardiac massage, and the availability of blood products in the event of hemorrhagic shock. A case involving a 55-year-old white man status post cardiac arrest with an unknown downtime resulted in transport to the nearest facility. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after several rounds of advanced cardiac life support, and the patient underwent cardiac catheterization during which multivessel disease was discovered. He had an intra-aortic balloon pump placed, and transport was requested to a facility capable of placing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Upon arrival of the flight crew, the cardiothoracic surgeon was exploring the patient's chest bedside for uncontrolled hemorrhage and possible cardiac tamponade. The patient's chest was left open, and he was hemodynamically unstable. The considerations for transport included how the crew would provide defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event the patient were to arrest. The crew also needed blood products for ongoing hemorrhage. This article discusses considerations for the treatment and transport of these patients.

Mechanical versus manual chest compressions in the treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients in a non-shockable rhythm: a randomised controlled feasibility trial (COMPRESS-RCT).

BACKGROUND: Mechanical chest compression devices consistently deliver high-quality chest compressions. Small very low-quality studies suggest mechanical devices may be effective as an alternative to manual chest compressions in the treatment of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. The aim of this feasibility trial is to assess the feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial in this patient population. METHODS: COMPRESS-RCT is a multi-centre parallel group feasibility randomised controlled trial, designed to assess the feasibility of undertaking an effectiveness to compare the effect of mechanical chest compressions with manual chest compressions on 30-day survival following in-hospital cardiac arrest. Over approximately two years, 330 adult patients who sustain an in-hospital cardiac arrest and are in a non-shockable rhythm will be randomised in a 3:1 ratio to receive ongoing treatment with a mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS 2/3, Jolife AB/Stryker, Lund, Sweden) or continued manual chest compressions. It is intended that recruitment will occur on a 24/7 basis by the clinical cardiac arrest team. The primary study outcome is the proportion of eligible participants randomised in the study during site operational recruitment hours. Participants will be enrolled using a model of deferred consent, with consent for follow-up sought from patients or their consultee in those that survive the cardiac arrest event. The trial will have an embedded qualitative study, in which we will conduct semi-structured interviews with hospital staff to explore facilitators and barriers to study recruitment. DISCUSSION: The findings of COMPRESS-RCT will provide important information about the deliverability of an effectiveness trial to evaluate the effect on 30-day mortality of routine use of mechanical chest compression devices in adult in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN38139840 , date of registration 9th January 2017.

Treatment Effect or Effective Treatment? Cardiac Compression Fraction and End-tidal Carbon Dioxide Are Higher in Patients Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Compared with Resuscitative Thoracotomy and Open-Chest Cardiac Massage.

The purpose of this study is to compare end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) during resuscitation of open-chest cardiac massage (OCCM) with aortic cross-clamp (ACC) versus receiving resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) with closed-chest compressions (CCCs). Patients who received REBOA were compared with patients receiving OCCM for traumatic arrest using continuous vital sign monitoring and videography. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in the REBOA group and 18 patients were enrolled in the OCCM group. Of the total patients, 86.3 per cent were male with a mean age of 36.2 ± 13.9 years. Ninety-four percent of patients suffered penetrating trauma in the OCCM group compared with 30.3 per cent of the REBOA group (P = <0.001). Before aortic occlusion (AO), there was no difference in initial EtCO2 values, but mean, median, peak, and final EtCO2 values were lower in OCCM (P < 0.005). During CPR after AO, the initial, mean, and median values were higher with REBOA (P = 0.015, 0.036, and 0.038). The rate of return of spontaneous circulation was higher in REBOA versus OCCM (20/33 [60.1%] vs 5/18 [33.3%]; P = 0.04), and REBOA patients survived to operative intervention more frequently (P = 0.038). REBOA patients had greater total cardiac compression fraction (CCF) before AO than OCCM (85.3 ± 12.7% vs 35.2 ± 18.6%, P < 0.0001) and after AO (88.3 ± 7.8% vs 71.9 ± 24.4%, P = 0.0052). REBOA patients have higher EtCO2 and cardiac compression fraction before and after AO compared with patients who receive OCCM.

[Assessment of professional practices in treating cardiac arrest]. / Évaluation des pratiques professionnelles dans la prise en charge de l'arrêt cardiaque.

An assessment of professional practices was carried out in 2013-2014 with the aim of improving the treatment of cardiac arrest in hospitals. Two methods were used: an assessment by questionnaire to evaluate theoretical knowledge and a practical assessment of external cardiac massage. The results highlight the need for greater knowledge. The use of cardiac massage must be included in continuing professional development.

2017 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations Summary.

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation has initiated a near-continuous review of cardiopulmonary resuscitation science that replaces the previous 5-year cyclic batch-and-queue approach process. This is the first of an annual series of International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations summary articles that will include the cardiopulmonary resuscitation science reviewed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation in the previous year. The review this year includes 5 basic life support and 1 paediatric Consensuses on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. Each of these includes a summary of the science and its quality based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task force members are provided in Values and Preferences sections. Finally, the task force members have prioritised and listed the top 3 knowledge gaps for each population, intervention, comparator, and outcome question.

Team Size and Stretching-Exercise Effects on Simulated Chest Compression Performance and Exertion.

INTRODUCTION: Investigators conducted a prospective experimental study to evaluate the effect of team size and recovery exercises on individual providers' compression quality and exertion. Investigators hypothesized that 1) larger teams would perform higher quality compressions with less exertion per provider when compared to smaller teams; and 2) brief stretching and breathing exercises during rest periods would sustain compressor performance and mitigate fatigue. METHODS: In Phase I, a volunteer cohort of pre-clinical medical students performed four minutes of continuous compressions on a Resusci-Anne manikin to gauge the spectrum of compressor performance in the subject population. Compression rate, depth, and chest recoil were measured. In Phase II, the highest-performing Phase I subjects were placed into 2-, 3-, and/or 4-compressor teams; 2-compressor teams were assigned either to control group (no recovery exercises) or intervention group (recovery exercises during rest). All Phase II teams participated in 20-minute simulations with compressor rotation every two minutes. Investigators recorded compression quality and real-time heart rate data, and calculated caloric expenditure from contact heart rate monitor measurements using validated physiologic formulas. RESULTS: Phase I subjects delivered compressions that were 24.9% (IQR1-3: [0.5%-74.1%]) correct with a median rate of 112.0 (IQR1-3: [103.5-124.9]) compressions per minute and depth of 47.2 (IQR1-3: [35.7-55.2]) mm. In their first rotations, all Phase II subjects delivered compressions of similar quality and correctness (p=0.09). Bivariate analyses of 2-, 3-, and 4-compressor teams' subject compression characteristics by subsequent rotation did not identify significant differences within or across teams. On multivariate analyses, only subjects in 2-compressor teams exhibited significantly lower compression rates (control subjects; p<0.01), diminished chest release (intervention subjects; p=0.03), and greater exertion over successive rotations (both control [p≤0.03] and intervention [p≤0.02] subjects). CONCLUSION: During simulated resuscitations, 2-compressor teams exhibited increased levels of exertion relative to 3- and 4-compressor teams for comparable compression delivery. Stretching and breathing exercises intended to assist with compressor recovery exhibited mixed effects on compression performance and subject exertion.

Myocardial perfusion and oxidative stress after 21% vs. 100% oxygen ventilation and uninterrupted chest compressions in severely asphyxiated piglets.

AIM: Despite the minimal evidence, neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend using 100% oxygen when chest compressions (CC) are needed. Uninterrupted CC in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may improve CPR hemodynamics. We aimed to examine 21% oxygen (air) vs. 100% oxygen in 3:1 CC:ventilation (C:V) CPR or continuous CC with asynchronous ventilation (CCaV) in asphyxiated newborn piglets following cardiac arrest. METHODS: Piglets (1-3 days old) were progressively asphyxiated until cardiac arrest and randomized to 4 experimental groups (n=8 each): air and 3:1 C:V CPR, 100% oxygen and 3:1 C:V CPR, air and CCaV, or 100% oxygen and CCaV. Time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), mortality, and clinical and biochemical parameters were compared between groups. We used echocardiography to measure left ventricular (LV) stroke volume at baseline, at 30min and 4h after ROSC. Left common carotid artery blood pressure was measured continuously. RESULTS: Time to ROSC (heart rate ≥100min(-1)) ranged from 75 to 592s and mortality 50-75%, with no differences between groups. Resuscitation with air was associated with higher LV stroke volume after ROSC and less myocardial oxidative stress compared to 100% oxygen groups. CCaV was associated with lower mean arterial blood pressure after ROSC and higher myocardial lactate than those of 3:1 C:V CPR. CONCLUSION: In neonatal asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest, using air during CC may reduce myocardial oxidative stress and improve cardiac function compared to 100% oxygen. Although overall recovery may be similar, CCaV may impair tissue perfusion compared to 3:1 C:V CPR.

[Thoracic lavage and open cardiac massage as treatment of hypothermic cardiac arrest--case report]. / Avoin sydänhieronta ja rintaontelon huuhtelu hypotermisen sydänpysähdyksen hoitona.

Cardiopulmonary bypass is the treatment of choice for a severely hypothermic patient with cardiac arrest. However, the treatment is not always available. We describe a successful three-and-a-half hour resuscitation of a hypothermic cardiac arrest patient with manual chest compressions followed by open cardiac massage and rewarming with thoracic lavage.

Minimal invasive treatment of life-threatening bleeding caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation-associated liver injury: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Life-threatening bleeding caused by liver injury due to chest compressions is a rare complication in otherwise successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Surgical intervention has been suggested to achieve bleeding control; however, reported mortality is high. In this report, we present a brief literature review and a case report in which use of a less invasive strategy was followed by an uneventful recovery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old white woman was admitted after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately performed, followed by advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation that included tracheal intubation, mechanical chest compressions, and external defibrillation with return of spontaneous circulation. Upon hospital admission, the patient's blood pressure was 94/45 mmHg and her heart rate was 110 beats per minute. Her electrocardiogram showed no signs of ST-segment elevations or Q-wave development. Coronary angiography revealed a proximal thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Successful recanalization, after thrombus aspiration and balloon dilation followed by stent implant, was verified with normalized anterograde flow. Immediately after the patient's arrival in the intensive cardiac care unit, a drop in her blood pressure to 60/30 mmHg and a hemoglobin concentration of 4.5 g/dl were noticed. Transfusion was started, and bedside abdominal ultrasound examination revealed free intraperitoneal fluid. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed liver injury with active extravasation from the cranial surface of the right lobe and a massive hemoperitoneum. The patient was coagulopathic and acidotic with a body temperature of 33.5 °C. A minimally invasive treatment strategy, including angiography and selective trans-catheter arterial embolization, were performed in combination with percutaneous evacuation of 4.5 L of intraperitoneal blood. After completion of these procedures, the patient was hemodynamically stable. She was weaned off mechanical ventilation 2 days later and made an uneventful recovery. She was discharged to a local hospital on day 13 without neurological disability. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, bleeding caused by liver injury due to chest compressions can be life-threatening after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Reported mortality is high after surgical intervention, and patients may benefit from less invasive treatment strategies such as those presented in this case report.

Part 3: Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation: 2015 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations.

This review comprises the most extensive literature search and evidence evaluation to date on the most important international BLS interventions, diagnostics, and prognostic factors for cardiac arrest victims. It reemphasizes that the critical lifesaving steps of BLS are (1) prevention, (2) immediate recognition and activation of the emergency response system, (3) early high-quality CPR, and (4) rapid defibrillation for shockable rhythms. Highlights in prevention indicate the rational and judicious deployment of search-and-rescue operations in drowning victims and the importance of education on opioid-associated emergencies. Other 2015 highlights in recognition and activation include the critical role of dispatcher recognition and dispatch-assisted chest compressions, which has been demonstrated in multiple international jurisdictions with consistent improvements in cardiac arrest survival. Similar to the 2010 ILCOR BLS treatment recommendations, the importance of high quality was reemphasized across all measures of CPR quality: rate, depth, recoil, and minimal chest compression pauses, with a universal understanding that we all should be providing chest compressions to all victims of cardiac arrest. This review continued to focus on the interface of BLS sequencing and ensuring high-quality CPR with other important BLS interventions, such as ventilation and defibrillation. In addition, this consensus statement highlights the importance of EMS systems, which employ bundles of care focusing on providing high-quality chest compressions while extricating the patient from the scene to the next level of care. Highlights in defibrillation indicate the global importance of increasing the number of sites with public-access defibrillation programs. Whereas the 2010 ILCOR Consensus on Science provided important direction for the "what" in resuscitation (ie, what to do), the 2015 consensus has begun with the GRADE methodology to provide direction for the quality of resuscitation. We hope that resuscitation councils and other stakeholders will be able to translate this body of knowledge of international consensus statements to build their own effective resuscitation guidelines.

Dependent Lung Tension Pneumothorax During 1-Lung Ventilation: Treatment by Transmediastinal Thoracentesis.

Contralateral tension pneumothorax during 1-lung ventilation is rare but life threatening. We report the case of a patient who developed tension pneumothorax of the dependent lung during 1-lung ventilation while the surgeon was anastomosing the bronchi after sleeve lobectomy. Ventilation was not possible in either the dependent or nondependent lung, leading to severe desaturation and cardiac arrest. While the surgeons were administering direct cardiac compression, we suspected tension pneumothorax. As soon as the surgeons pierced the mediastinal pleura, adequate circulation was restored. Immediate diagnosis and treatment is important for this complication.

Reconsidering the effectiveness and safety of carotid sinus massage as a therapeutic intervention in patients with supraventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our investigation were to review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of carotid sinus massage in terminating supraventricular tachycardia and to determine if other potentially less harmful interventions have been established to be safer and more effective. METHODS: A search using PubMed, Ovid, and COCHRANE databases was performed using the terms supraventricular tachycardia, carotid sinus massage, SVT, and CSM. Articles not written in English were excluded. There was a paucity of randomized controlled trials comparing various supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) interventions. However, articles of highest quality were selected for review and inclusion. In addition, articles examining potential hazards of carotid sinus massage in case report format were reviewed, even when performed for other indications other than SVT, as the maneuver is identically performed. Selected articles were reviewed by both authors for relevance to the topic. RESULTS: Summarizing the findings of this review leads to these 3 fundamental conclusions. First, a therapeutic intervention should only be performed when the benefit of the procedure outweighs its risk. Carotid sinus massage exposes the patient to rare but potentially devastating iatrogenic harm. Second, a therapeutic intervention should be efficacious. The efficacy of carotid sinus massage in terminating supraventricular tachycardia appears to be modest at best. Third, other readily available, easily mastered, and potentially safer and more efficacious alternative interventions are available such as Valsalva maneuver and pharmacologic therapy. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited evidence available, we believe that carotid sinus massage should be reconsidered as a first-line therapeutic intervention in the termination of SVT.

[A brief history of resuscitation - the influence of previous experience on modern techniques and methods]. / Krótka historia resuscytacji - wplyw doswiadczen z przeszlosci na obecnie stosowane techniki i metody.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is relatively novel branch of medical science, however first descriptions of mouth-to-mouth ventilation are to be found in the Bible and literature is full of descriptions of different resuscitation methods - from flagellation and ventilation with bellows through hanging the victims upside down and compressing the chest in order to stimulate ventilation to rectal fumigation with tobacco smoke. The modern history of CPR starts with Kouwenhoven et al. who in 1960 published a paper regarding heart massage through chest compressions. Shortly after that in 1961Peter Safar presented a paradigm promoting opening the airway, performing rescue breaths and chest compressions. First CPR guidelines were published in 1966. Since that time guidelines were modified and improved numerously by two leading world expert organizations ERC (European Resuscitation Council) and AHA (American Heart Association) and published in a new version every 5 years. Currently 2010 guidelines should be obliged. In this paper authors made an attempt to present history of development of resuscitation techniques and methods and assess the influence of previous lifesaving methods on nowadays technologies, equipment and guidelines which allow to help those women and men whose life is in danger due to sudden cardiac arrest.

[Isoflurane-induced malignant hyperthermia during intensive-care treatment]. / Isofluranassoziierte maligne Hyperthermie im Rahmen der Intensivtherapie.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH), an inherited myopathia varying in severity and course, is induced by halogenated anesthetic agents and depolarizing muscle relaxants. First recognized as a distinct disease entity in 1960, MH is defined as an anesthesia-related disease due to the agents by which it is triggered. Given the wide use of these preparations in prehospital emergency medicine and intensive care treatment, physicians in other disciplines may also encounter MH.