Simultaneous Sterno-Thoracic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Improves the Short-Term Survival Rate in Canine Cardiac Arrests

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We previously reported that, compared with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation(S-CPR), better hemodynamic effects could be achieved by simultaneous sterno-thoracic cardiopulamonary resuscitation(SST-CPR) in which we compressed the sternum and constricted the thorax circumferentially during the systolic period by using a device. This study was designed to assess whether SST-CPR, compared with S-CPR, improve the survival rate of dogs with cardiac arrest. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five mongrel dogs(19~31kg) were enrolled in this study. After four minutes of ventricular fibrillation induced by an AC current, animals were randomized to resuscitate with either S-CPR(n=13) or SST-CPR(n=12). Epinephrine(1mg) was injected into the right atrium every three minutes after the beginning of CPR. Defibrillation was attempted after 6 minutes of CPR. Standard advanced cardiac life support was started if defibrillation was not successful. RESULTS: SST-CPR resulted in significantly(p<0.001) higher systolic arterial pressure(91+/- 47 vs 47+/-24mmHg), diastolic pressure(43+/- 24 vs 17+/- 10mmHg), coronary perfusion pressure(35+/- 25 vs 13+/- 9mmHg), and end tidal CO2 tension(9+/- 4 vs 3+/- 2mmHg). Two of 13 animals(15%) resuscitated with S-CPR and six of 12 animals(50%) resuscitated with SST-CPR survived until 12 hours after cardiac arrest(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: SST-CPR, compared with S-CPR, improves the short-term survival rate in canine cardiac arrests.