Do laypersons need App-linked real-time feedback devices for effective resuscitation? - Results of a prospective, randomised simulation trial.

Background: App-linked real-time feedback-devices for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) aim to improve laypersons' resuscitation quality. Resuscitation guidelines recommend these technologies in training settings. This is the first study comparing resuscitation quality of all App-linked feedback-devices currently on market. Methods: A prospective randomised simulation study was performed. After standardised instructions, participants performed 2-minutes compression-only CPR on a manikin without feedback (baseline). Afterwards, participants performed 4 × 2 min CPR with four different feedback devices in randomised order (CorPatch® Trainer, CPRBAND AIO Training, SimCPR®ProTrainer, Relay Response™) (intervention). CPR metrics (chest compression depth (CD), chest compression rate (CR), percentage of correct CD/CR (%), correct hand position, correct chest recoil, and technical preparation-time) were assessed. Devices data were compared to the baseline group using Wilcoxon testing with IBM SPSS (primary outcome). Differences between devices were analysed with ANOVA testing (secondary outcome). Normally distributed data were described as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and non-normally distributed data as Median [Interquartile range (IQR). CPR self-confidence was measured by means of questionnaire before and after feedback devices' use. Comparison was performed by students t-test. Results: Forty participants were involved. SimCPR®ProTrainer was the only device, which resulted in guideline-compliant chest compressions (Mean ± SD:5.37 ± 0.76) with improved chest compression depth (p < 0.001), and percentage of correct chest compression depth (p < 0.001) compared to unassisted CPR (baseline). CorPatch® Trainer as the only device with audio-visual recoil instructions resulted in improved chest recoil (Mean ± SD:72.25 ± 24.89) compared to baseline (Mean ± SD:49.00 ± 42.20; p < 0.01), while the other three devices resulted in significantly lower chest recoil rates (CPRBAND AIO Training: 37.03 ± 39.90; p < 0.01, SimCPR®ProTrainer: Mean ± SD:39.88 ± 36.50; p = 0.03, Relay Response™: Mean ± SD:36.88 ± 37.73; p = 0.02). CPR quality when using the different feedback devices differ in chest compression depth (p = 0.02), chest compression rate (p < 0.001), percentage of correct chest compression depth/rate (p = 0.03/p = 0.04), and technical preparation-time (p < 0.001). Feedback-devices' use increased participant's CPR self-confidence (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although, CPR feedback devices show improved CPR performance in layperson in some metrics, none of the tested CPR feedback devices supported layperson in overall adequate CPR performance. More and better technical functionality is necessary, to fully utilise the potential of CPR feedback devices and to prevent a worsening of CPR performance when layperson use this technology.

Postoperative Pain Following Eye Enucleation: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: Enucleation of an eye is the most invasive procedure in ophthalmologic surgery. It can be the result of various diseases (malignant/chronic/trauma/infection) and is nevertheless relatively rare, but leads to the loss of a strongly innervated neuronal organ. This study systematically evaluates postoperative pain levels following enucleation of the eye globe. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center study enrolled twenty-four patients undergoing enucleation of the eye globe. Perioperatively all patients completed (preoperative day, day of surgery, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day following surgery) standardized questionnaires concerning their pain experience and treatment-related side-effects (internal protocol, QUIPS, painDETECT®). Patients received usual pain therapy in an unstandardized individual manner. Results: Preoperatively, mean average pain intensity of all included patients was 3.29 ± 2.46 (range, 0-8), 3.29 ± 3.24 (range, 0-8) on the day of surgery, 4.67 ± 1.90 (range, 2-10) on day 1, 3.25 ± 1.39 (range, 1-6) on day 2, and 2.71 ± 1.30 (range, 1-6) on day 3 after surgery. Mean maximum pain intensity was 4.71 ± 3.28 (range, 0-10) preoperatively, 4.04 ± 3.78 (range, 0-10) on the day of surgery, 5.75 ± 2.01 (range, 2-10) on day 1, 4.25 ± 1.89 (range, 2-10) on day 2, and 3.88 ± 1.54 (range, 2-8) on day 3 after surgery. Nineteen patients (79.2%) stated that they would have preferred more pain therapy. Conclusions: Patients undergoing eye enucleation report pain sensations in need of intervention in this university hospital. Thus, effective standardized pain treatment concepts are now a high priority to be established in an interdisciplinary manner containing standardized regimens and continuous regional procedures. Awareness of this problem in the medical team should be sharpened through targeted training and information.

Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Endotracheal Intubation during Lacrimal Duct Stenosis Surgery in Children-A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The use of laryngeal masks in the surgical treatment of infantile lacrimal duct stenosis is controversial due to the potential risk of aspiration. Aims: This study investigates airway procedures in children aged <6 years for surgery of lacrimal duct stenosis in a tertiary care university hospital. Methods: After institutional approval, airway procedures, duration of anesthesiological measures, and airway-related complications were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the airway procedures used (endotracheal tube [ET] vs. laryngeal mask [LMA] airway). Associations were calculated using the Chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Clinical data of 84 patients (ET n = 36 [42.9%] vs. LMA n = 48 [57.1%]) were analyzed. There were no significant differences in surgical treatment, age distribution, and pre-existing conditions between the groups. None of the patients showed evidence of tracheal aspiration or changes in measured oxygen saturation. LMA airway shortened time for anesthesia induction (p = 0.006) and time for recovery/emergence period (p = 0.03). In contrast, the time to discharge from the recovery room was significantly prolonged using LMA (p = 0.001). A total of 7 adverse events were recorded. Five of these were directly or indirectly related to ET (laryngo-/bronchospasm; muscle relaxant residual). Conclusions: LMA airway for infantile lacrimal duct stenosis seems to be a safe procedure and should be used in appropriate pediatric patients due to its lower invasiveness, low complication rate, and time savings.

Comparing Simulation Training of Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Using Conventional Versus 3D Printed Simulators (TRAC-Sim Study).

Background: Individual implementation rate of bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) varies among intensivists. Simulation training (ST) can increase the safety of medical procedures by reducing stress levels of the performing team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of ST in PDT regarding procedural time, quality of performance, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist and to compare conventional simulators (CSIM) with simulators generated from 3D printers (3DSIM). Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized, blinded cross-over study comparing the benefit of CSIM versus 3DSIM for ST of PDT. Participants underwent a standardized theoretical training and were randomized to ST with CSIM (group A) or 3DSIM (group B). After ST, participants' performance was assessed by two blinded examiners on a porcine trachea regarding time required for successful completion of PDT and correct performance (assessed by a performance score). Percepted feelings of safety were assessed before and after ST. This was followed by a second training and second assessment of the same aspects with crossed groups. Results: 44 participants were included: 24 initially trained with CSIM (group A) and 20 with 3DSIM (group B). Correctness of the PDT performance increased significantly in group B (p < .01) and not significantly in group A (p = .14). Mean procedural time required for performing a PDT after their second ST compared to the first assessment (p < .01) was lower with no difference between group A and group B and irrespective of the participants' previous experience regarding PDT, age, and sex. Moreover, percepted feelings of safety increased after the first ST in both groups (p < .001). Conclusions: ST can improve procedural skills, procedural time, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist in simulated PDT.

Improving survival after cardiac arrest in Europe: The synergetic effect of rescue chain strategies.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a global problem and is considered the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Patient survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary significantly between countries and continents. In particular, the 2021 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Resuscitation Guidelines place a special focus on the chain of survival of patients after OHCA. As a complex, interconnected approach, the focus is on: Raising awareness for cardiac arrest and lay resuscitation, school children's education in resuscitation "KIDS SAVE LIVES", first responder systems - technologies to engage the community, telephone-assisted resuscitation (telephone-CPR; T-CPR) by dispatchers, and cardiac arrest centers (CAC) for further treatment in specialized hospitals. The Systems Saving Lives approach is a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all links in the chain of survival following an OHCA, with a particular focus on the relationship between the community and emergency medical services (EMS). This system-level approach emphasizes the importance of the connection between all those involved in the chain of survival. It has a high potential to improve overall survival after OHCA. Therefore, it is recommended that these strategies be promoted and expanded in all countries.

The Value of Next-Generation Sequencing in Diagnosis and Therapy of Critically Ill Patients with Suspected Bloodstream Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Bloodstream infection (BSI), a frequent cause of severe sepsis, is a life-threatening complication in critically ill patients and still associated with a high mortality rate. Rapid pathogen identification from blood is crucial for an early diagnosis and the treatment of patients with suspected BSI. For this purpose, novel diagnostic tools on the base of genetic analysis have emerged for clinical application. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of additional next-generation sequencing (NGS) pathogen test for patients with suspected BSI in a surgical ICU and its potential impact on antimicrobial therapy. In this retrospective single-centre study, clinical data and results from blood culture (BC) and NGS pathogen diagnostics were analysed for ICU patients with suspected BSI. Consecutive changes in antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic procedures were evaluated. Results: 41 cases with simultaneous NGS and BC sampling were assessed. NGS showed a statistically non-significant higher positivity rate than BC (NGS: 58.5% (24/41 samples) vs. BC: 21.9% (9/41); p = 0.056). NGS detected eight different potentially relevant bacterial species, one fungus and six different viruses, whereas BC detected four different bacterial species and one fungus. NGS results affected antimicrobial treatment in 7.3% of cases. Conclusions: NGS-based diagnostics have the potential to offer a higher positivity rate than conventional culture-based methods in patients with suspected BSI. Regarding the high cost, their impact on anti-infective therapy is currently limited. Larger randomized prospective clinical multicentre studies are required to assess the clinical benefit of this novel diagnostic technology.

Evaluation of Intraoperative Left-Ventricular Diastolic Function by Myocardial Strain in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function strongly predicts outcomes after cardiac surgery, but there is no consensus about appropriate intraoperative assessment. Recently, intraoperative diastolic strain-based measurements assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have shown a strong correlation with LV relaxation, compliance, and filling, but there are no reports about evaluation through the entire perioperative period. Therefore, the authors describe the intraoperative course of this novel assessment technique in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, and compare it with conventional echocardiographic measures and common grading algorithms of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). DESIGN: Prospectively obtained data. SETTING: A single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty adult patients scheduled for isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with preoperative preserved left and right ventricular systolic function, without significant heart valve disease and pulmonary hypertension, and an uneventful intraoperative course were included. INTERVENTIONS: Transesophageal echocardiography was performed after induction of anesthesia (T1), after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), and after sternal closure (T3). Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in stable hemodynamic conditions, in sinus rhythm or atrial pacing, and vasopressor support with norepinephrine ≤0.1 µg/kg/min. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Strain-based measurements of peak longitudinal strain rate during isovolumetric relaxation (SR-IVR) and during early (SR-E) and late (SR-A) LV filling were assessed using EchoPAC v204 software (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Norway). Evaluation of conventional echocardiographic parameters included transmitral Doppler measures of early (E) and late (A) LV filling, as well as lateral-tissue Doppler velocity assessed during early (e´) and late (a´) LV filling, tricuspid regurgitation, and left atrial dilatation. Evaluation and grading of LV diastolic function by myocardial strain was feasible in all included patients at all time points of assessment. Using conventional grading algorithms, however, a substantial number of patients could not be sufficiently graded, falling into an indeterminate zone and not reliably estimating LVDD (T1, 40%; T2, 33%; T3, 36%). There was significant impairment of LV diastolic function after bypass, as measured by SR-IVR (T1 v T2, 0.28 s-1 [IQR 0.23; 0.31) v 0.18 s-1 [IQR 0.14; 0.22]; p < 0.001), SR-E (T1 v T2, 0.95 ± 0.34 s-1v 1.28 ± 0.36 s-1; p < 0.001), and E/SR-IVR (T1 v T2, 2.3 ± 1.0 m v 4.5 ± 2.1 m; p < 0.001]. Conventional echocardiographic measures remained unchanged during the same period (E/A T1 v T2, 1.27 [IQR 0.94; 1.59] v 1.21 [IQR 1.03; 1.47] [p = 1] and E/e´ T1 v T2, 7.0 [IQR 5.3; 9.6] v 6.35 [IQR 5.7; 9.9] [p = 0.9]). There were no significant changes in the values of SR-IVR, SR-E, SR-A, E/SR-IVR, E/A, and E/e´ before and after sternal closure (T2 v T3). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative assessment of strain-based measurements of LV diastolic function and strain-based LVDD grading was feasible in this group of selected patients, whereas conventional parameters failed to describe LVDD sufficiently in a substantial number of patients. Diastolic strain-based measurements showed impairment of LV relaxation and compliance after bypass, which was not detected by conventional echocardiographic parameters. Therefore, diastolic myocardial strain analysis might be more sensitive in detecting myocardial diastolic dysfunction by TEE in the perioperative setting, with its dynamic changes of loading conditions, and might provide valuable and additional information on the perioperative changes of LV diastolic function.

Accredited cardiac arrest centers facilitate eCPR and improve neurological outcome.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a frequent medical emergency with low survival rates even after a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Growing evidence supports formation of dedicated teams in scenarios like cardiogenic shock to improve prognosis. Thus, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommended introduction of Cardiac Arrest Centers (CAC) in their 2015 guidelines. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of newly introduced CACs in Germany regarding survival rate and neurological outcome. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was performed at three university hospitals and outcomes after OHCA were compared before and after CAC accreditation. Primary outcomes were survival until discharge and favorable neurological status (CPC 1 or 2) at discharge. RESULTS: In total 784 patients (368 before and 416 after CAC accreditation) were analyzed. Rates of immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (40 vs. 52%, p = 0.01) and implementation of extracorporeal CPR (8 vs. 13%, p < 0.05) increased after CAC accreditation. Likelihood of favorable neurological status at discharge was higher after CAC accreditation (71 vs. 87%, p < 0.01), whereas overall survival remained similar (35 vs. 35%, p > 0.99). CONCLUSION: CAC accreditation is linked to higher rates of favorable neurological outcome and unchanged overall survival.

[Role of German cardiac arrest centers in mediating basic life support]. / Rolle deutscher Cardiac Arrest Center in der Vermittlung von Basisreanimationsmaßnahmen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite a measurable increase in recent years, the bystander resuscitation rate in Germany lags behind the European comparison. Special centers for the care of patients after cardiac arrest, so-called cardiac arrest centers (CAC), have been established. The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of CACs, in addition to in-hospital patient care, in improving the bystander resuscitation rate in Germany and what obstacles exist in the implementation of resuscitation training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online survey by the working group cardiopulmonary resuscitation (AG42) of the German Society of Cardiology (DGK) and the German Resuscitation Council (GRC) RESULTS: Of the 74 participating clinics (78.4% certified as CAC), 23 (31.1%) conduct lay resuscitation training. These mainly take place within the framework of action days for resuscitation (82.6%) or in schools (39.1%). Permanent cooperation with at least one school existed in 52.2%. Basic life support (BLS) resuscitation dummies are available in 63.5% of these clinics and an automated external defibrillator (AED) demonstration device in 43.2%. According to the interviewees, the biggest obstacles to the consistent implementation of resuscitation courses in schools include lack of qualified instructors, lack of refinancing and difficulties with regard to coordinating activities between schools and providers. CONCLUSIONS: Direct training of lay rescuers by hospitals faces several obstacles. To increase the bystander resuscitation rate, focusing on targeted training of teachers as multipliers (train-the-trainer) can be a good approach for cardiac arrest centers.

2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces.

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.

[Hypothermic temperature control after successful resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in adults : Statement from the resuscitation and postresuscitation treatment working groups of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN) and the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI), the German Society for Interdisciplinary Emergency and Acute Medicine (DGINA) and the Austrian Association of Emergency Medicine (AAEM)]. / Hypotherme Temperaturkontrolle nach erfolgreicher Wiederbelebung eines außerklinischen Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands beim Erwachsenen : Statement der Arbeitsgruppen Reanimation und Post-Reanimationsbehandlung in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DGIIN) und Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI), der Deutschen Gesellschaft Interdisziplinäre Notfall- und Akutmedizin (DGINA) und der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Notfallmedizin (AAEM).

In Germany per year approximately 60,000 and in Austria 5,000 adult patients suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Only 10-15% of these patients survive without neurological damage. For decades hypothermic temperature control has been a central component of post-resuscitation treatment, but is controversial due to recently published studies.

2023 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces.

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.