A novel structured debriefing program for consensus determinations of in-hospital cardiac arrest predictability and preventability.

AIM: Hospital rapid response systems aim to stop preventable cardiac arrests, but defining preventability is a challenge. We developed a multidisciplinary consensus-based process to determine in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) preventability based on objective measures. METHODS: We developed an interdisciplinary ward IHCA debriefing program at an urban quaternary-care academic hospital. This group systematically reviewed all IHCAs weekly, reaching consensus determinations of the IHCA's cause and preventability across three mutually exclusive categories: 1) unpredictable (no evidence of physiologic instability < 1 h prior to and within 24 h of the arrest), 2) predictable but unpreventable (meeting physiologic instability criteria in the setting of either a poor baseline prognosis or a documented goals of care conversation) or 3) potentially preventable (remaining cases). RESULTS: Of 544 arrests between 09/2015 and 11/2023, 339 (61%) were deemed predictable by consensus, with 235 (42% of all IHCAs) considered potentially preventable. Potentially preventable arrests disproportionately occurred on nights and weekends (70% vs 55%, p = 0.002) and were more frequently respiratory than cardiac in etiology (33% vs 15%, p < 0.001). Despite similar rates of ROSC across groups (67-70%), survival to discharge was highest in arrests deemed unpredictable (31%), followed by potentially preventable (21%), and then those deemed predictable but unpreventable which had the lowest survival rate (16%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our IHCA debriefing procedures are a feasible and sustainable means of determining the predictability and potential preventability of ward cardiac arrests. This approach may be useful for improving quality benchmarks and care processes around pre-arrest clinical activities.

Nueva herramienta de comunicación para el entrenamiento de soporte vital básico: smart glasses. Un diseño cuasiexperimental / New communication tool for basic life support training: smart glasses. A quasi-experimental study

Objetivo Analizar la efectividad de una metodología de enseñanza-aprendizaje de teleformación en soporte vital básico (SVB) basada en la comunicación a través de smart glasses. Diseño Estudio piloto cuasiexperimental de no inferioridad. Participantes Un total de 60 estudiantes universitarios. Intervenciones Aleatorización de los participantes en: grupo de teleformación a través de smart glasses (SG) y de formación tradicional (C). Ambas sesiones de entrenamiento fueron muy breves (<8 minutos) e incluyeron el mismo contenido en SVB. En SG, la capacitación fue comunicándose a través de una videollamada con smart glasses. Variables de interés principales Se evaluó el protocolo del SVB, el uso de desfibrilador externo automático (DEA), la calidad de la reanimación y los tiempos de actuación. Resultados En la mayoría de las variables del protocolo del SVB, la calidad de la reanimación y los tiempos de ejecución no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos. Hubo mejor actuación de SG al valorar la respiración (SG: 100%, C: 81%; p=0,013), el avisar antes de la descarga del DEA (SG: 79%, C: 52%; p=0,025) y las compresiones con buena reexpansión (SG: 85%, C: 32%; p=0,008). Conclusiones El tele-entrenamiento en SVB-DEA para legos con smart glasses podría llegar a ser, al menos, tan efectivo como un método tradicional de enseñanza. Además, las smart glasses podrían ser más ventajosas para ciertos aspectos del protocolo del SVB y la calidad de las compresiones, probablemente debido a la capacidad de visualización de imágenes en tiempo real. La enseñanza basada en la realidad aumentada debe considerarse para la capacitación en SVB, aunque se requiere tanto cautela en la extrapolación de hallazgos como estudios futuros con mayor profundidad. (AU)

Aim To analyze the effectiveness of a teaching-learning methodology for teletraining in basic life support (BLS) based on communication through smart glasses. Design Pilot quasi-experimental non-inferiority study. Participants Sixty college students. Interventions Randomization of the participants in: tele-training through smart glasses (SG) and traditional training (C) groups. Both training sessions were very brief (less than 8 minutes) and included the same BLS content. In SG, the instructor trained through a video call with smart glasses. Main variables of interest The BLS protocol, the use of AED, the quality of resuscitation and the response times were evaluated. Results In most of the BLS protocol variables, the resuscitation quality and performance times, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. There were significant differences (in favor of the SG) in the assessment of breathing (SG: 100%, CG: 81%; p=0.013), the not-to-touch warning before applying the shock (SG: 79%, CG: 52%; p=0.025) and compressions with correct recoil (SG: 85%, CG: 32%; p=0.008). Conclusions Laypeople BLS-AED brief tele-training through smart glasses could potentially be, at least, as effective as traditional training methods. In addition, smart glasses could be more advantageous than traditional teaching for certain points of the BLS protocol and chest compressions quality, probably due to the capability of real-time visualization of images which supports the BLS sequence. Augmented reality supported teaching should be considered for BLS training, although caution is required in extrapolating findings, and further in-depth studies are needed to confirm its potential role depending on concrete target populations and environments. (AU)

Opioid Overdose: Limitations in Naloxone Reversal of Respiratory Depression and Prevention of Cardiac Arrest.

Opioids are effective analgesics, but they can have harmful adverse effects, such as addiction and potentially fatal respiratory depression. Naloxone is currently the only available treatment for reversing the negative effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. However, the effectiveness of naloxone, particularly after an opioid overdose, varies depending on the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of the opioid that was overdosed. Long-acting opioids, and those with a high affinity at the µ-opioid receptor and/or slow receptor dissociation kinetics, are particularly resistant to the effects of naloxone. In this review, the authors examine the pharmacology of naloxone and its safety and limitations in reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression under different circumstances, including its ability to prevent cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest in the perioperative period: a consensus guideline for identification, treatment, and prevention from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a rare but potentially life-threatening event with mortality rates of more than 50%. Contributing factors are often known, and the event is recognised rapidly as patients are usually under full monitoring. This guideline covers the perioperative period and is complementary to the European Resuscitation Council guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery jointly nominated a panel of experts to develop guidelines for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of cardiac arrest in the perioperative period. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All searches were restricted to publications from 1980 to 2019 inclusive and to the English, French, Italian and Spanish languages. The authors also contributed individual, independent literature searches. RESULTS: This guideline contains background information and recommendation for the treatment of cardiac arrest in the operating room environment, and addresses controversial topics such as open chest cardiac massage, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion and resuscitative thoracotomy, pericardiocentesis, needle decompression, and thoracostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Successful prevention and management of cardiac arrest during anaesthesia and surgery requires anticipation, early recognition, and a clear treatment plan. The ready availability of expert staff and equipment must also be taken into consideration. Success not only depends on medical knowledge, technical skills and a well-organised team using crew resource management, but also on an institutional safety culture embedded in everyday practice through continuous education, training, and multidisciplinary co-operation.

Cardiac arrest in the perioperative period: a consensus guideline for identification, treatment, and prevention from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a rare but potentially life-threatening event with mortality rates of more than 50%. Contributing factors are often known, and the event is recognised rapidly as patients are usually under full monitoring. This guideline covers the perioperative period and is complementary to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery jointly nominated a panel of experts to develop guidelines for the recognition, treatment and prevention of cardiac arrest in the perioperative period. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All searches were restricted to publications from 1980 to 2019 inclusive and to the English, French, Italian and Spanish languages. The authors also contributed individual, independent literature searches. RESULTS: This guideline contains background information and recommendation for the treatment of cardiac arrest in the operating room environment, and addresses controversial topics such as open chest cardiac massage (OCCM), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion (REBOA) and resuscitative thoracotomy, pericardiocentesis, needle decompression and thoracostomy. CONCLUSION: Successful prevention and management of cardiac arrest during anaesthesia and surgery requires anticipation, early recognition and a clear treatment plan. The ready availability of expert staff and equipment must also be taken into consideration. Success not only depends on medical knowledge, technical skills and a well organised team using crew resource management but also on an institutional safety culture embedded in everyday practice through continuous education, training and multidisciplinary co-operation.

Preventing Cardiac Arrest in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Through Multicenter Collaboration.

Importance: Preventing in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) likely represents an effective strategy to improve outcomes for critically ill patients, but feasibility of IHCA prevention remains unclear. Objective: To determine whether a low-technology cardiac arrest prevention (CAP) practice bundle decreases IHCA rate. Design, Setting, and Participants: Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) teams from the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) formed a collaborative learning network to implement the CAP bundle consistent with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement framework; 15 hospitals implemented the bundle voluntarily. Risk-adjusted IHCA incidence rates were analyzed across 2 time periods, 12 months (baseline) and 18 months after CAP implementation (intervention) using difference-in-differences (DID) regression to compare 15 CAP and 16 control PC4 hospitals that chose not to participate in CAP but had IHCA rates tracked in the PC4 registry. Patients deemed at high risk for IHCA, based on a priori evidence-based criteria and empirical hospital-specific criteria, were selected to receive the CAP bundle. Data were collected from July 2018 to December 2019, and data were analyzed from March to August 2020. Interventions: CAP bundle included 5 elements developed to promote increased situational awareness and communication among bedside clinicians to recognize and mitigate deterioration in high-risk patients. Main Outcomes and Measures: Risk-adjusted IHCA incidence rate across all CICU admissions (IHCA events divided by all admissions). Results: The bundle was activated in 2664 of 10 510 CAP hospital admissions (25.3%); admission characteristics were similar across study periods. There was a 30% relative reduction in risk-adjusted IHCA incidence rate at CAP hospitals (intervention period: 2.6%; 95% CI, 2.2-2.9; baseline: 3.7%; 95% CI, 3.1-4.0), but no change at control hospitals (intervention period: 2.7%; 95% CI, 2.3-2.9; baseline: 2.7%; 95% CI, 2.2-3.0). DID analysis confirmed significantly reduced odds of IHCA among all admissions at CAP hospitals compared with control hospitals during the intervention period vs baseline (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.91; P = .01). DID odds ratios were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.53-0.98) for the surgical subgroup, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.48-1.14) for the medical subgroup, and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.50-1.03) for the high-risk admission subgroup at CAP hospitals after intervention. All-cause risk-adjusted mortality rate did not change after intervention. Conclusions and Relevance: Implementation of this CAP bundle led to significant IHCA reduction across multiple pediatric CICUs. Future studies may determine if this bundle can be effective in other critically ill populations.

Mitral valvuloplasty with left atrial appendage closure and pacemaker implantation in a dog with severe myxomatous mitral valve degeneration: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) has been widely recognized as a treatment option for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). However, postoperative complications such as thromboembolism, arrhythmia, and pancreatitis in some cases have resulted in death. We treated a dog with severe MMVD complicated by impaired sinus function with MVP and pacemaker implantation. Also, due to an intrinsic procoagulant state and severe arrhythmia after the MVP, left atrial appendage (LAA) closure was performed to reduce the postoperative risk of thrombosis. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old castrated 7.5-kg male Miniature Schnauzer with a history of congestive heart failure was brought to Shiraishi Animal Hospital for MMVD surgical treatment. Echocardiography revealed an enlarged left atrium and ventricle secondary to MMVD. Sinus arrest with 2 to 3-second periods of asystole was identified by electrocardiogram. Mitral valvuloplasty was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass to treat the MMVD. After coronary reperfusion, there was no spontaneous electrical activity. Cardiac arrest continued. Based on this surgical outcome, a permanent pacemaker was implanted. In addition, LAA closure with an AtriClip was performed to prevent intra-atrial thrombus formation. Cardiac remodeling and congestion were ameliorated after surgery. Sinus rhythm was restored 5 days postoperatively; however, the patient continued pacemaker dependent. All cardiac drugs were discontinued 3 months after surgery. The owner reported no postoperative complications (i.e., thrombosis), and the patient was brought for a check-up 4 months after the operation in good health. CONCLUSIONS: For surgical MMVD cases complicated with impaired sinus function, the chances of spontaneous sinus rhythm are low, requiring pacemaker implantation. LAA closure may be considered to protect against decreased atrial function after mitral valvuloplasty and prevent intra-atrial thrombus formation.

The simulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the knowledge of rescuers: a quasi-experimental study / La simulación de la reanimación cardiopulmonar y el conocimiento de los socorristas: estudio cuasi-experimental / A simulação da reanimação cardiopulmonar e o conhecimento de socorristas: estudo quase-experimental

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the knowledge of rescuers before and after training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the realistic simulation method. Method: this is a quasi-experimental study carried out with 41 Basic Life Support rescuers covering 8 bases of the 18th Regional Health of Paraná. The rescuers responded to the Instrument for Assessment of Training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation applied before and after the realistic simulation. Results: there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.02) in 6 of the 10 questions, which addressed: the sequence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers; the electrical charge of the automatic external defibrillator; the position, depth, and speed of chest compressions; the compression/ventilation ratio; and the handling of the automatic external defibrillator. In the other two questions — recognition of cardiorespiratory arrest and positive pressure ventilation device — there was no change in the answer alternative. There were 60% of correct answers for the questions when assessing prior knowledge and 90% of correct answers after the phases of the realistic simulation. Conclusion: rescuers did not fully complete the pre-test questionnaire; however, after the realistic simulation strategy, there was a significant increase in this knowledge. These results showed an improvement in the cognitive knowledge of rescuers after the simulation, which was confirmed by the increase in knowledge expressed in the post-test. This methodology can also be successfully applied to this professional category.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar el conocimiento de los socorristas antes y después de la capacitación de la reanimación cardiopulmonar con el método de la simulación real. Método: estudio cuasi-experimental, realizado con 41 socorristas del Soporte Vital Básico cubriendo 8 bases de la 18 Regional de Salud de Paraná. Los socorristas respondieron al Instrumento para la Evaluación de la Formación en Reanimación Cardiopulmonar, aplicado antes y después de la simulación real. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,02) en 6 de las 10 preguntas, que abordaban: la secuencia de maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar; la carga eléctrica del desfibrilador externo automático; la posición, profundidad y velocidad de las compresiones torácicas; la relación compresión/ventilación; y el manejo del desfibrilador externo automático. En dos preguntas -reconocimiento de la parada cardíaca y dispositivo de ventilación con presión positiva- no hubo cambios en la respuesta alternativa. Hubo un 60% de respuestas correctas para las preguntas al evaluar los conocimientos previos y un 90% de respuestas correctas después de las fases de la simulación real. Conclusión: los socorristas no responden totalmente a la cuestión de la prueba previa, mientras que, tras la estrategia de simulación realista, se produjo un aumento significativo de este conocimiento. Estos resultados demostraron una mejora en el conocimiento cognitivo de los socorristas después de la simulación, comprobada por el aumento del conocimiento expreso en el post-test, que esta metodología también puede ser aplicada con éxito a esta categoría profesional.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar o conhecimento de socorristas antes e depois da capacitação de reanimação cardiopulmonar com o método da simulação realística. Método: estudo quase-experimental realizado com 41 socorristas do Suporte Básico de Vida que contemplam 8 bases da 18° Regional de Saúde do Paraná. Os socorristas responderam ao Instrumento para Avaliação da capacitação em Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar aplicado antes e depois da simulação realística. Resultados: obteve-se diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,02) em 6 das 10 questões, as quais abordaram: a sequência das manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar; a carga elétrica do desfibrilador externo automático; a posição, a profundidade e a velocidade das compressões torácicas; a relação compressão/ventilação; e o manuseio do desfibrilador externo automático. Já em outras duas questões — reconhecimento da parada cardiorrespiratória e dispositivo de ventilação com pressão positiva — não houve mudança quanto à alternativa de resposta. Encontraram-se 60% de acertos das questões quando avaliado o conhecimento prévio e 90% de acertos após as fases da simulação realística. Conclusão: os socorristas não atingiram com totalidade o questionário de pré-teste; entretanto, após a estratégia da simulação realística, houve um aumento significativo desse conhecimento. Esses resultados demonstraram melhoria no conhecimento cognitivo dos socorristas após simulação, o que foi comprovado pelo aumento de conhecimento expresso no pós-teste. Essa metodologia também pode ser aplicada com sucesso a essa categoria profissional.

Intraoperative Deaths: Who, Why, and Can We Prevent Them?

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative deaths (IODs) are rare but catastrophic. We systematically analyzed IODs to identify clinical and patient safety patterns. METHODS: IODs in a large academic center between 2015 and 2019 were included. Perioperative details were systematically reviewed, focusing on (1) identifying phenotypes of IOD, (2) describing emerging themes immediately preceding cardiac arrest, and (3) suggesting interventions to mitigate IOD in each phenotype. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included. Three IOD phenotypes were identified: trauma (T), nontrauma emergency (NT), and elective (EL) surgery patients, each with 2 sub-phenotypes (e.g., ELm and ELv for elective surgery with medical arrests or vascular injury and bleeding, respectively). In phenotype T, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated before incision in 42%, resuscitative thoracotomy was performed in 33%, and transient return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 30% of patients. In phenotype NT, ruptured aortic aneurysms accounted for half the cases, and median blood product utilization was 2,694 mL. In phenotype ELm, preoperative evaluation did not include electrocardiogram in 12%, cardiac consultation in 62%, stress test in 87%, and chest x-ray in 37% of patients. In phenotype ELv, 83% had a single peripheral intravenous line, and vascular injury was almost always followed by escalation in monitoring (e.g., central/arterial line), alert to the blood bank, and call for surgical backup. CONCLUSIONS: We have created a framework for IOD that can help with intraoperative safety and quality analysis. Focusing on interventions that address appropriateness versus futility in care in phenotypes T and NT, and on prevention and mitigation of intraoperative vessel injury (e.g., intraoperative rescue team) or preoperative optimization in phenotype EL may help prevent IODs.

Incidence of preventable cardiopulmonary arrest in a mature part-time rapid response system: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of a rapid response system (RRS) is to reduce the incidence of preventable cardiopulmonary arrests (CPAs) and patient deterioration in general wards. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence and temporal trends of preventable CPAs and determine factors associated with preventable CPAs in a hospital with a mature RRS. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective cohort study of all CPAs occurring in the general ward between March 2017 and June 2020. The RRS operates from 07:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. All CPAs were reviewed upon biweekly conference, and a panel of intensivists judged their preventability. Trends of preventable CPAs were analyzed using Poisson regression models and factors associated with preventable CPAs were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 253 CPAs over 40 months, and 64 (25.3%) of these were preventable. The incidence rate of CPAs was 1.07 per 1000 admissions and that of preventable CPAs was 0.27 per 1000 admissions. The number of preventable CPAs decreased by 24% each year (incidence rate ratio = 0.76; p = 0.039) without a change in the total CPA incidence. The most common contributor to the preventability was delayed response from physicians (n = 41, 64.1%). A predictable CPA with a pre-alarm sign had increased odds in the occurrence of preventable CPAs, while a cardiac cause of CPAs and RRS operating hours had decreased odds in terms of occurrence of preventable CPA. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that one-fourth of all CPAs occurring in the general wards were preventable, and these arrests decreased each year. A mature RRS can evolve to reduce preventable CPAs with regular self-evaluation. Efforts should be directed at improving physicians' response time since a delay in their response was the most common cause of preventable CPAs.

Critical Care Unit Organizational and Personnel Factors Impact Cardiac Arrest Prevention and Rescue in the Pediatric Cardiac Population.

OBJECTIVES: Patient-level factors related to cardiac arrest in the pediatric cardiac population are well understood but may be unmodifiable. The impact of cardiac ICU organizational and personnel factors on cardiac arrest rates and outcomes remains unknown. We sought to better understand the association between these potentially modifiable organizational and personnel factors on cardiac arrest prevention and rescue. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry. SETTING: Pediatric cardiac ICUs. PATIENTS: All cardiac ICU admissions were evaluated for cardiac arrest and survival outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Successful prevention was defined as the proportion of admissions with no cardiac arrest (inverse of cardiac arrest incidence). Rescue was the proportion of patients surviving to cardiac ICU discharge after cardiac arrest. Cardiac ICU organizational and personnel factors were captured via site questionnaires. The associations between organizational and personnel factors and prevention/rescue were analyzed using Fine-Gray and multinomial regression, respectively, accounting for clustering within hospitals. We analyzed 54,521 cardiac ICU admissions (29 hospitals) with 1,398 cardiac arrest events (2.5%) between August 1, 2014, and March 5, 2019. For both surgical and medical admissions, lower average daily cardiac ICU occupancy was associated with better cardiac arrest prevention. Better rescue for medical admissions was observed for higher registered nursing hours per patient day and lower proportions of "part time" cardiac ICU physician staff (< 6 service weeks/yr). Increased registered nurse experience was associated with better rescue for surgical admissions. Increased proportion of critical care certified nurses, full-time intensivists with critical care fellowship training, dedicated respiratory therapists, quality/safety resources, and annual cardiac ICU admission volume were not associated with improved prevention or rescue. CONCLUSIONS: Our multi-institutional analysis identified cardiac ICU bed occupancy, registered nurse experience, and physician staffing as potentially important factors associated with cardiac arrest prevention and rescue. Recognizing the limitations of measuring these variables cross-sectionally, additional studies are needed to further investigate these organizational and personnel factors, their interrelationships, and how hospitals can modify structure to improve cardiac arrest outcomes.