Biphasic extrathoracic pressure CPR. A human pilot study

Comparison of active cycle of breathing and high-frequency oscillation jacket in children with cystic fibrosis

High-frequency chest compressions (HFCC) have been suggested as an alternative to conventional chest physiotherapy to aid sputum clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to compare the active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) with the Hayek Oscillator Cuirass, performing HFCC on secretion clearance in children with CF during an exacerbation. Ten children (7 males; median age, 14 years; range, 9-16) received either two supervised sessions using HFCC or two self-treatment ACBT sessions in random order on successive days. Baseline pulmonary function was similar prior to treatments. Sputum weight increased significantly with ACBT compared with HFCC during treatment (5.2 g vs. 1.1 g, P < 0.005, morning; 4.1 g vs. 0.7 g, P < 0.01, afternoon). Pulmonary function improved significantly after morning ACBT (forced vital capacity (FVC): 2.67 l to 2.76 l, P < 0.03; forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1): 1.59 l to 1.62 l, P < 0.03). Following afternoon ACBT, there was a significant increase in FVC (2.64 to 2.79, P < 0.02), but no significant change in FEV1. Pulmonary function did not change at any time following HFCC. Compared with ACBT, HFCC by Hayek Cuirass is not an effective airway clearance treatment modality for children with CF during an infective exacerbation.

Combination of external chest wall oscillation with continuous positive airway pressure

We studied the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on pulmonary gas exchange during external chest wall oscillation (ECWO), and the relationship with obesity, in nine patients with normal body weight (group 'N') and 10 obese patients (group 'O'). During ECWO with CPAP 5, PaCO2 decreased in group 'O' (6.0 (SD 0.8) to 5.6 (0.5) kPa, P<0.05), whereas it increased in group 'N' at all levels (P<0.01). Arterial PO(2) (P<0.001) was greater and PaCO2 (P<0.01) less in group 'N' during CPPV and ECWO plus CPAP. We also compared the haemodynamic effects of ECWO plus CPAP with those of continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV). ECWO plus CPAP and CPPV were applied for 30 min to 6 ASA III patients. Cardiac output (CI 2.7 (0.5) vs 2.1 (0.2) litre x min(-1) x m(-2), P<0.05) and stroke volume (SVI 49 (9) vs 32 (6) ml x m(-2), P<0.05) were greater during ECWO plus CPAP than with CPPV. ECWO is less effective in obese individuals than in those with normal body weight, and the effect of CPAP in overweight individuals is small.

The influence of left ventricle assist device and ventilatory support on energy-related cardiovascular variables

One of the main purposes in using Left Ventricle Assist Devices (LVAD) to assist recovery in patients with heart failure, is to reduce the external work (EW) of the left natural ventricle. The simultaneous presence of mechanical ventilatory support can affect the value of this variable. The aim of our computer simulation was to trace the influence of LVAD on EW, cardiac mechanical efficiency (CME) and pressure volume area (PVA) in the presence of ventilatory support. Pathological conditions of the heart were reproduced. Peripheral systemic arterial resistance (Ras) was also changed to model physiological and pathological states. The influence of mechanical ventilation was introduced by changing levels of mean thoracic pressure. In this way we were able to predict changes of EW, CME and PVA in both ventricles, during ventilatory (mechanical) and cardiovascular (LVAD) support. Our simulation showed that positive thoracic pressure seems to affect the energy-related cardiovascular variables and should be taken into account during the assessment of LVAD effectiveness. Pathological changes of systemic peripheral resistance have a considerable effect on EW, CME and PVA of left ventricle. On the other hand energy-related parameters of the right ventricle are not especially affected by changes in systemic peripheral resistance.

Ventilation by external high-frequency oscillations improves cardiac function after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of ventilation with intermittent positive pressure and external high frequency oscillation by the Hayek Oscillator during the first 5 h after coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

Eleven patients were randomized to intermittent positive pressure ventilation throughout the observation period (5 h), while 13 patients were initially ventilated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation, then by external high-frequency oscillations for 4 h, changing to positive pressure ventilation for the last hour.

RESULTS

Cardiac index, stroke volume index, right ventricular stroke work index, right ventricular end-diastolic volume index and mixed venous oxygen saturation were significantly increased during ventilation with external high-frequency oscillations, and arteriovenous oxygen content difference was significantly reduced. There were no significant inter- or intragroup differences in fluid accumulation, mean arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gases, pulmonary artery pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance index, pulmonary vascular resistance index, intrapulmonary shunt fraction, right ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular end-systolic volume index and left ventricular stroke work index.

CONCLUSIONS

Ventilation by external high-frequency oscillations increases cardiac index and improves tissue perfusion. The increased pumping of the heart is probably caused by changes of the intracardiac pressure-volume relationship. The Hayek Oscillator may have distinct cardiovascular benefits as ventilatory assistance in postoperative cardiac surgical patients.

Cardiac arrest

This article reviews the critical resuscitations necessary during prehospital and emergency department treatment of cardiac arrest. Standard therapy for cardiac arrest rhythms is presented. Novel pharmacologic agents, types of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and circulatory-assist devices are discussed.