Successful resuscitation with mechanical CPR, therapeutic hypothermia and coronary intervention during manual CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Mechanical chest compressions in the coronary catheterization laboratory to facilitate coronary intervention and survival in patients requiring prolonged resuscitation efforts

Background

Resuscitation after cardiac arrest (CA) in the catheterization laboratory (cath-lab) using mechanical chest compressions (CC) during simultaneous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a strong recommendation in the 2015 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines. This study aimed at re-evaluating survival to hospital discharge and assess long term outcome in this patient population.

Methods

Patients presenting at the cath lab with spontaneous circulation, suffering CA and requiring prolonged mechanical CC during cath lab procedures between 2009 and 2013 were included. Circumstances leading to CA, resuscitation parameters and outcomes were evaluated within this cohort. For comparison, patients needing prolonged manual CC in the cath lab in the pre-mechanical CC era were evaluated. Six-month and one year survival with a mechanical CC treatment strategy from 2004 to 2013 was also evaluated.

Results

Thirty-two patients were included between 2009 and 2013 (24 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 4 non-STEMI, 2 planned PCI, 1 angiogram and 1 intra-aortic counter pulsation balloon pump insertion). Twenty were in cardiogenic shock prior to inclusion. Twenty-five were successfully treated with PCI. Median mechanical CC duration for the total cohort (n = 32) was 34 min (range 5–90), for the 15 patients with circulation discharged from the cath-lab, 15 min (range 5–90), and for the eight discharged alive from hospital, 10 min (range 5–52). Twenty-five percent survived with good neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Ten patients treated with manual CC were included with one survivor.

Discussion

Eighty-seven percent of the patients included in the mechanical CC cohort had their coronary or cardiac intervention performed during mechanical CC with an 80 % success rate. This shows that the use of mechanical CC during an intervention does not seem to impair the interventional result substantially. The survival rate after one year was 87 %.

Conclusions

Among patients suffering CA treated with mechanical CC in the cath-lab, 25 % had a good neurological outcome at hospital discharge compared to 10 % treated with manual CC. Long term survival in patients discharged from hospital is good.

Complete Recovery With the Chain of Survival After a Prolonged (120 Minutes) Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Due to Brugada Syndrome: A Case Report

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a crucial public health problem. To improve outcomes of patients after cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association promotes the concept of the chain of survival.We report a case of a 19-year-old man with no markedly past medical history who suffered from OHCA, and he was resuscitated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, without interruption, during the rescue process for 120 minutes until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Electrocardiogram on admission showed right bundle branch block and ST segment elevation in leads V1-V2, and the patient's uncle had experienced the same event and had received implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome. Postcardiac arrest care was performed after ROSC, including mild therapeutic hypothermia, hemodynamic monitoring and management, and ICD implantation, and then the patient completely recovered without any noticeable neurological or intellectual deficits in the follow-up examinations.Our case demonstrates that even after an OHCA with prolonged time (120 minutes) until ROSC, survival with a favorable neurological outcome is possible, provided implementation of an extremely effective rescue chain.

Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Although modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) substantially decreases the mortality induced by cardiac arrest, cardiac arrest still accounts for over 50% of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we address the current use of mechanical devices during CPR, and also compare the CPR quality between manual and mechanical chest compression.

METHODS

We compared the quality and survival rate between manual and mechanical CPR, and then reviewed the mechanical CPR in special circumstance, such as percutaneous coronary intervention, transportation, and other fields.

RESULTS

Compared with manual compression, mechanical compression can often be done correctly, and thus can compromise survival; can provide high quality chest compressions in a moving ambulance; enhance the flow of blood back to the heart via a rhythmic constriction of the veins; allow ventilation and CPR to be performed simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical devices will be widely used in clinical practice so as to improve the quality of CPR in patients with cardiac arrest.

Percutaneous Assist Device for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Persistent cardiac arrest is often caused by coronary ischemia. Urgent revascularization during on-going resuscitation with the support of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (PVAD) may be feasible and can have the potential to improve the prognosis. Transport during resuscitation is a challenge that may be overcome with the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices. In the catheterization laboratory, rapid deployment of PVAD may reduce ischemia, contribute to electrical stabilization of the heart, and facilitate definite treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention. After revascularization, PVAD therapy may promote myocardial recovery and improve vital organ perfusion in a critical phase.

Quantitative assessment of brain microvascular and tissue oxygenation during cardiac arrest and resuscitation in pigs

Cardiac arrest is associated with a very high rate of mortality, in part due to inadequate tissue perfusion during attempts at resuscitation. Parameters such as mean arterial pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide may not accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac resuscitation. We hypothesised that quantitative measurements of tissue oxygen tension would more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during experimental cardiac arrest. Using oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence, we made measurements of oxygen in the microcirculation and in the interstitial space of the brain and muscle in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Measurements were performed at baseline, during untreated ventricular fibrillation, during resuscitation and after return of spontaneous circulation. After achieving stable baseline brain tissue oxygen tension, as measured using an Oxyphor G4-based phosphorescent microsensor, ventricular fibrillation resulted in an immediate reduction in all measured parameters. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, brain oxygen tension remained unchanged. After the return of spontaneous circulation, all measured parameters including brain oxygen tension recovered to baseline levels. Muscle tissue oxygen tension followed a similar trend as the brain, but with slower response times. We conclude that measurements of brain tissue oxygen tension, which more accurately reflect adequacy of tissue perfusion during cardiac arrest and resuscitation, may contribute to the development of new strategies to optimise perfusion during cardiac resuscitation and improve patient outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Out-hospital donors after cardiac death in Madrid, Spain: a 5-year review

OBJECTIVE

The Medical Emergencies Service of Madrid (Spain) (Servicio de Urgencias Medicas de Madrid), SUMMA112, forms part of an organ donor program involving patients who have suffered out-hospital cardiac arrest and fail to respond to advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. Subjects meeting the inclusion criteria are moved to a transplant unit under sustained resuscitation maneuvering in order to harvest the organs. This paper presents compliance with the timelines of the program, the proportion of donors, the characteristics of donors and non-donors, and the number of organs obtained.

MATERIAL

A retrospective descriptive study was made based on the review of case histories. The SPSS(©) version 16.0 statistical package was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 214 cases were recorded, of which 84% were males. The mean age was 40 years. The mean time to arrival on scene was 13 min and 34 s. The mean time to arrival in hospital was 88 min and 10 s. A total of 522 organs and tissues were harvested (250 kidneys, 33 livers, 123 corneas, 97 bone tissues and 19 lungs), corresponding to 3.2 organs/tissues per patient on average. A total of 21.7% of the patients were not valid. There were no differences between the valid and non-valid patients in terms of age and gender. The causes of non-donation included extracorporeal circuit failure (6.3%), family refusal (15.6%), patient refusal expressed in life (4.7%), legal denial (1.6%), biological causes (51.6%), and others (20.3%). Cardiac compressors were used in 85 cases, yielding 92 kidneys, 41 corneas, 30 bone tissues, 19 livers and 9 lungs, corresponding to 2.1 organs/tissues per patient on average.

CONCLUSION

This program affords a very important number of organs for transplantation. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of mechanical cardiac compressor use in generating more organs.

[Coronary revascularization during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The bridge code]

Cardiac arrest is one of the major current challenges, due to both its high incidence and mortality and the fact that it leads to severe brain dysfunction in over half of the survivors. The so-called coronary origin Bridge Code is presented, based on the international resuscitation recommendations (2005, 2010). In accordance with a series of strict predictive criteria, this code makes it possible to: (1) select refractory CPR patients with a high or very high presumption of underlying coronary cause; (2) evacuate the patient using mechanical chest compressors [LucasTM, Autopulse®], maintaining coronary and brain perfusion pressures; (3) allow coronary revascularization access during resuscitation maneuvering (PTCA during ongoing CPR); (4) induce early hypothermia; and (5) facilitate post-cardiac arrest intensive care. In the case of treatment failure, the quality of hemodynamic support makes it possible to establish a second bridge to non-heart beating organ donation.

Randomized crossover trial comparing physical strain on advanced life support providers during transportation using real-time automated feedback

BACKGROUND

Feedback devices provide verbal and visual real-time information on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality. Feedback devices can improve the quality of CPR during transportation. It remains unclear if feedback has an effect on the physical strain felt by providers during ongoing CPR.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess the influence of real-time automated feedback on physical strain of rescuers during ongoing chest compressions in different means of transportation.

METHODS

The study was a randomized crossover trial comparing physical strain on advanced life support (ALS) providers during chest compressions using real-time automated feedback in different transport environments: 1) a moving ambulance and 2) a flying helicopter. The authors measured objective and subjective measures of physical strain and calculated the difference in the rate pressure product (RPP) after 8 minutes of external chest compressions.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the RPP (mean intraindividual difference = 21; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1,438 to 1,480; p = 0.98) between using the feedback device versus no feedback. There was no significant interaction of vehicle type on the effect of feedback on the RPP. Feedback resulted in a significant mean perceived exertion reduction of a Borg scale score by 0.89 points (95% CI = 0.42 to 1.35; p < 0.001). For systolic and diastolic blood pressure, for serum lactate concentrations, and for the modified Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT; measurement of fine motor skills), we found no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback devices for CPR during transportation do not have an effect on objective components of physical strain, but decrease perceived exertion in experienced rescuers in an experimental setting.

Manual versus mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An experimental study in pigs

BACKGROUND

Optimal manual closed chest compressions are difficult to give. A mechanical compression/decompression device, named LUCAS, is programmed to give compression according to the latest international guidelines (2005) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of the present study was to compare manual CPR with LUCAS-CPR.

METHODS

30 kg pigs were anesthetized and intubated. After a base-line period and five minutes of ventricular fibrillation, manual CPR (n = 8) or LUCAS-CPR (n = 8) was started and run for 20 minutes. Professional paramedics gave manual chest compression's alternating in 2-minute periods. Ventilation, one breath for each 10 compressions, was given to all animals. Defibrillation and, if needed, adrenaline were given to obtain a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

RESULTS

The mean coronary perfusion pressure was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the mechanical group, around 20 mmHg, compared to around 5 mmHg in the manual group. In the manual group 54 rib fractures occurred compared to 33 in the LUCAS group (p < 0.01). In the manual group one severe liver injury and one pressure pneumothorax were also seen. All 8 pigs in the mechanical group achieved ROSC, as compared with 3 pigs in the manual group.

CONCLUSIONS

LUCAS-CPR gave significantly higher coronary perfusion pressure and significantly fewer rib fractures than manual CPR in this porcine model.

Percutaneous left ventricular assist in ischemic cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Ischemic cardiac arrest represents a challenge for optimal emergency revascularization therapy. A percutaneous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be beneficial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a percutaneous LVAD during cardiac arrest without chest compressions and to assess the effect of fluid loading.

DESIGN

Totally, 16 pigs randomized to either conventional or intensive fluid with LVAD support during ventricular fibrillation (VF).

SETTING

Acute experimental trial with pigs under general anesthesia.

SUBJECTS

Farm pigs of both sexes.

INTERVENTIONS

After randomization for fluid infusion, VF was induced by balloon occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. LVAD and fluid were started after VF had been induced.

MEASUREMENTS

Brain, kidney, myocardial tissue perfusion, and cardiac index were measured with the microsphere injection technique at baseline, 3, and 15 minutes. Additional hemodynamic monitoring continued until 30 minutes.

MAIN RESULTS

At 15 minutes, vital organ perfusion was maintained without significant differences between the two groups. Mean cardiac index at 3 minutes of VF was 1.2 L x min(-1) x m2 (29% of baseline, p < 0.05). Mean perfusion at 3 minutes was 65% in the brain and 74% in the myocardium compared with baseline (p < 0.05), then remained unchanged during the initial 15 minutes. At 30 minutes, LVAD function was sustained in 11 of 16 animals (8 of 8 intensified fluid vs. 3 of 8 conventional fluid) and was associated with intensified fluid loading (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

During VF, a percutaneous LVAD may sustain vital organ perfusion. A potential clinical role of the device during cardiac arrest has yet to be established.

Submersion, accidental hypothermia and cardiac arrest, mechanical chest compressions as a bridge to final treatment: a case report

Three young men were trapped in a car at the bottom of a canal at two meters depth, after losing control of their vehicle. They were brought up by rescue divers and found in cardiac arrest. One of three patients had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), at 47 min after the accident. This sole survivor had the longest submersion time of the three and he received continued mechanical chest compressions during transportation to the hospital. His temperature at admission was 26.9 degrees C, he was rewarmed to 33 degrees C and kept there for 24 h, followed by continued rewarming to normothermia. On day three, he woke up from coma and was discharged from the intensive care unit after one week. At follow-up six months later, he had a complete cerebral recovery but still had myoclonic twitches in the lower extremities. A mechanical device facilitates chest compressions during transportation and may be beneficial as a bridge to final treatment in the hospital. We recommend that comatose patients after submersion, accidental hypothermia and cardiac arrest are treated with mild hypothermia for 12-24 h.

Cardiac arrest with continuous mechanical chest compression during percutaneous coronary intervention

Mechanical chest compression may be necessary to make coronary intervention possible during resuscitation. We report our experience using the Lund University Cardiac Arrest System (LUCAS, Jolife, Lund, Sweden) which is a gas-driven sternal compression device that incorporates a suction cup for active decompression. During the last 13 months LUCAS has been used in our catheterisation laboratory to maintain adequate organ perfusion pressure in 13 patients with cardiac arrest or severe hypotension and bradycardia (male/female ratio 1.6, mean age 59+/-19). The mean compression time was 105+/-60min (range 45-240), and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure obtained was 81+/-23 and 34+/-21mmHg, respectively. Angiography and eventually percutanous coronary intervention was possible in all cases during ongoing automatic chest compression. Three patients survived the procedure, but no patients were discharged alive. In two cases we found inadequate flow in the anterior descending artery, and in one case the invasive measurements revealed inadequate coronary perfusion pressure. There were no excessive intra-thoracic or intra-abdominal injuries. We conclude that the LUCAS device is suitable during cardiac catheterisation and intervention, and the device ensures an adequate systemic blood pressure in most patients without life-threatening injuries.

Quality of closed chest compression in ambulance vehicles, flying helicopters and at the scene

CONTEXT

Transport of patients during resuscitation is a critical procedure. In both, ambulances and helicopters the quality of resuscitation is potentially hampered due to the movement of the vehicle and confined space. To date, however, no direct comparison of the quality of resuscitation at the scene, during a helicopter flight and in a moving ambulance has been made.

OBJECTIVE

Direct comparison of the quality of resuscitation at the scene, during a helicopter flight and in a moving ambulance.

DESIGN

The study was performed in July 2005 as a randomised cross-over trial comparing different environments for resuscitation.

SETTING

Medical University of Vienna.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven European Resuscitation Council (ERC) approved health care professionals.

INTERVENTIONS

Interventions during resuscitation: (a) in a moving ambulance, (b) in a flying helicopter, were compared to those staying at the (c) scene (control). Each participant performed resuscitation in all three environments.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality of chest compression during resuscitation.

RESULTS

Compared to resuscitation at the scene, efficiency of chest compressions during a helicopter flight was 86% and 95% in the moving ambulance 95%. There were no differences in secondary outcomes (time without chest compression, total number of incorrect hand position relative to total compressions, and total number of incorrect pressure release relative to total compressions).

CONCLUSIONS

Resuscitation during transport is feasible and relatively efficient. There is some difference between the environments, but there is no relevant difference between helicopters and ambulances regarding the effectiveness of CPR.

Vital organ blood flow with the impedance threshold device

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review cardiopulmonary resuscitation hemodynamics and vital organ blood flow in animal models with the use of the impedance threshold device (ITD) and to correlate these findings with the results of human clinical trials.

RESULTS

Animal studies have demonstrated near normalization of cerebral blood flow and an increase between 50% and 100% in cardiac blood flow with use of the ITD. Coincident coronary perfusion pressure is significantly increased with the ITD. Results of human clinical trials generally reflect the data seen in animal models, with near normal blood pressure during active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the ITD, near doubling of blood pressure with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation plus the ITD, and significantly increased short-term survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved vital organ perfusion with ITD use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important advance in resuscitation. Incorporation of the ITD into protocols that improve other aspects of the care of patients during cardiac arrest and after successful resuscitation should result in further benefit from the ITD.

Hypothermia for cardiac arrest

Therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest survivors has emerged as a highly effective means of improving neurologic outcome. There are a number of purported mechanisms by which it is felt to be effective, but the exact mechanism is unknown. This article reviews the biochemical mechanisms of injury occurring in cardiac arrest, as well as the avenues that hypothermia takes to combat this injury. It also reviews the animal model data in support of this, as well as the newer animal studies that may help to improve the field. Several human studies of hypothermia in cardiac arrest have been performed, and this article reviews these for their methods and shortcomings. Our currently recommended guidelines for performing therapeutic hypothermia are presented. With therapeutic hypothermia comes potential risks to the patient, primarily affecting cardiac, metabolic, and hematologic systems, and these risks and their management are discussed. Multiple methods of cooling exist, including selective cranial as well as systemic cooling by internal or external approaches. Finally, the article discusses the current research in the field of hypothermia for cardiac arrest and implications for future practice.

Cardiac arrest and resuscitation with an automatic mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS) due to anaphylaxis of a woman receiving caesarean section because of pre-eclampsia

We report a case of anaphylaxis with pulseless electrical activity (PEA)(verified by ECG and a radial intra-arterial line) in a 30-year-old woman who received 3G Promiten (dextran-1) and a prophylactic intra-venous infusion of Macrodex (dextran) for postoperative thromboembolism during caesarean section for pre-eclampsia in the 24th week of gestation. Manual chest compressions, followed by mechanical chest compressions (LUCAS, Jolife, Lund, Sweden), were performed for 50min before restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). She awoke the next day with no sequelae. She had some suction cup marks on the sternum but otherwise no complications of the chest compressions. At follow up by phone 1 month later, she and her baby were doing well.

Treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with LUCAS, a new device for automatic mechanical compression and active decompression resuscitation

Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) is a new gas-driven CPR device providing automatic chest compression and active decompression. This is a report of the first 100 consecutive cases treated with LUCAS due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (58% asystole, 42% ventricular fibrillation (VF)). Safety aspects were also investigated and it was found that LUCAS can be used safely regarding noise levels and oxygen concentrations within the ambulance. A crash test (10G) showed no displacement of the device from the manikin. Of the 71 patients with witnessed cardiac arrest, 39% received bystander CPR. In those 28 patients where LUCAS-CPR was initiated more than 15 min after the ambulance alarm and in the 29 unwitnessed cases, none survived for 30 days. Of the 43 witnessed cases treated with LUCAS within 15 min, 24 had VF and 15 (63%) of these cases achieved a stable return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 6 (25%) of them survived with a good neurological recovery after 30 days; 5 (26%) of the 19 patients with asystole achieved ROSC and 1 (5%) survived for over 30 days. One patient where ROSC could not be achieved was transported with on-going LUCAS-CPR to the catheter laboratory and after PCI for an occluded LAD a stable ROSC occurred, but the patient never regained consciousness and died 15 days later. To conclude, establishment of an adequate cerebral circulation as quickly as possible after cardiac arrest is mandatory for a good outcome. In this report patients with a witnessed cardiac arrest receiving LUCAS-CPR within 15 min from the ambulance call had a 30-day survival of 25% in VF and 5% in asystole, but if the interval was more than 15 min, there were no 30-day survivors.