Computed Tomographic Findings of Injuries After Mechanical and Manual Resuscitation: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

IntroductionCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related injuries are complications of chest compressions during CPR. This study aimed to investigate the differences and complications between mechanical and manual CPR techniques by using computed tomography (CT). MethodsPatients in whom return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after CPR and thorax CT imaging were performed for diagnostic purposes were included in the study. ResultsA total of 178 non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients were successfully resuscitated and had CT scans in the emergency department. The complications of CPR are sternum fracture, rib fracture, pleural effusion/hemothorax, and pneumothorax. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, first complaint, cardiac arrest rhythm, CPR duration, and complications between mechanical and manual CPR. The number of exitus in the emergency department was similar (p=0.638). The discharge from hospital rate was higher in the mechanical CPR group but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.196). The duration of CPR was associated with the number of rib fractures and lung contusion, but it did not affect other CPR-related chest injuries. ConclusionThere was no significant difference observed in terms of increased complications in patients who received mechanical compression as compared with those who received manual compression. According to our results, mechanical compression does not cause serious complications, and the discharge from hospital rate was higher than for manual CPR; therefore, its use should be encouraged.

Analgesic Use in Patients during Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation

“…Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can cause chest injuries— Table 3 [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. The incidence of injury is variable and can reach up to 100%, as demonstrated in a study by Jang SJ et al Differences in the number of injuries diagnosed may be related to the sensitivity of specific diagnostic tests.…”

Liver Hemorrhage Following Mechanical CPR With the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) Device: A Focused Case Report

“…Despite extensive educational efforts, the quality of in-hospital CPR often remains suboptimal, influenced by factors such as rescuer fatigue during prolonged resuscitation, interruptions in CPR for defibrillation or intubation, and inadequate compression depth and rate [ 4 ]. Mechanical chest compression devices, such as the LUCAS, offer a solution by delivering consistent, fixed-rate compressions by American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines [ 2 ]. These devices alleviate physical strain on rescuers, potentially improving compression fidelity and minimizing crowding in patient rooms, reducing exposure to aerosolized pathogens.…”

“…Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death globally and prompts over a million CPR attempts annually in the United States alone [ 1 ]. Mechanical CPR devices such as the LUCAS aim to enhance the consistency and efficacy of CPR, ensure continuous compressions, and reduce physical strain on healthcare providers [ 2 ]. However, these devices raise concerns related to their effectiveness in real-world scenarios compared to manual CPR, as well as their potential to cause complications like visceral organ damage [ 3 ].…”