Mechanical chest compression devices are associated with poor neurological survival in a statewide registry: A propensity score analysis

Characteristics and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a hilly area: Utstein Registry data from the Nagasaki Medical Region, Japan

Aim

To analyze characteristics and investigate prognostic indicators of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a hilly area in Japan.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study was conducted using the Utstein Registry for 4280 OHCA patients in the Nagasaki Medical Region (NMR) registered over the 10-year period from 2011 to 2020. The main outcome measure was a favorable cerebral performance category (CPC 1-2). Sites at which OHCA occurred were classified into "sloped places (SPs)" (not easily accessible by emergency medical services [EMS] personnel due to slopes) and "accessible places (APs)" (EMS personnel could park an ambulance close to the site). The characteristics and prognosis based on CPC were compared between SPs and APs, and multivariable analysis was performed.

Results

No significant improvement in prognosis occurred in the NMR from 2011 to 2020. Prognosis in SPs was significantly worse than that in APs. However, multivariable analysis did not identify SP as a prognostic indicator. The following factors were associated with survival and CPC 1-2: age group, witness status, first documented rhythm, bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, use of mechanical CPR (m-CPR) device or esophageal obturator airway (EOA), and year. Both m-CPR and EOA use were associated with a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

In a hilly area, OHCA patients in SPs had a worse prognosis than those in APs, but SPs was not significantly associated with prognosis by multivariable analysis. Interventions to increase bystander-initiated CPR and AED use could potentially improve outcomes of OHCA in the NMR.

Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in "hostile" environments: Using automated compression devices to minimize the rescuers' danger

Mechanical automated compression devices are being used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation instead of manual, "hands-on", rescuer-delivered chest compressions. The -theoretical- advantages include high-quality non-stop compressions, thus freeing the rescuer performing the compressions and additionally the ability of the rescuer to stand reasonably away from a potentially "hazardous" victim, or from hazardous and/or difficult resuscitation conditions. Such circumstances involve cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, especially directly under the fluoroscopy panel, where radiation is well known to cause detrimental effects to the rescuer, and CPR during/after land or air transportation of cardiac arrest victims. Lastly, CPR in a coronavirus disease 2019 patient/ward, where the danger of contamination and further serious illness of the health provider is very existent. The scope of this review is to review and present literature and current guidelines regarding the use of mechanical compressions in these "hostile" and dangerous settings, while comparing them to manual compressions.

The Use of Predictive Modeling to Compare Prehospital eCPR Strategies

The duration of low flow prior to initiation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) appears to influence survival. Strategies to reduce the low-flow interval for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have been focused on expediting patient transport to the hospital or initiating extracorporeal support in the prehospital setting. To date, a direct comparison of low-flow interval between these strategies has not been made. To attempt this comparison, a model was created to predict low-flow intervals for each strategy at different locations across the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The data, specific to Albuquerque, suggest that a prehospital cannulation strategy consistently outperforms an expedited transport strategy, with an estimated difference in low-flow interval of 34.3 to 37.2 minutes, depending on location. There is no location within the city in which an expedited transport strategy results in a shorter low-flow interval than prehospital cannulation. It would be rare to successfully initiate eCPR by either strategy in fewer than 30 minutes from the time of patient collapse. Using a prehospital cannulation strategy, the entire coverage area could be eligible for eCPR within 60 minutes of patient collapse. The use of predictive modeling can be a low-cost solution to assist with strategic deployment of prehospital resources and may have potential for real-time decision support for prehospital clinicians.

Mechanical chest compression and extracorporeal life support for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A 30-month observational study in the metropolitan area of Milan, Italy

BACKGROUND

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved in 25% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Mechanical chest compression (mechCPR) may maintain better perfusion during transport, allowing hospital treatments like extracorporeal circulation life support (ECLS). We aim to assess the effectiveness of a pre-hospital protocol introduction.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective study assessing all OHCA patients aged 12-75, with no-flow time <20 min in a metropolitan area (Milan, Italy, 2013-2016).

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

ROSC and Cerebral Performance Category score (CPC) ≤2 at hospital discharge. Logistic regressions with multiple comparison adjustments balanced with propensity scores calculated with inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed.

RESULTS

1366 OHCA were analysed; 305 received mechCPR, 1061 manual chest compressions (manCPR), and 108 ECLS. ROSC and CPC ≤2 were associated with low-flow minutes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.90 [0.88-0.91] and 0.90 [0.87-0.93]), shockable rhythm (2.52 [1.71-3.72] and 10.68 [5.63-20.28]), defibrillations number (1.15 [1.07-1.23] and 1.15 [1.04-1.26]), and mechCPR (1.86 [1.17-2.96] and 2.06 [1.11-3.81]). With resuscitation times >13 min, mechCPR achieved more frequently ROSC compared to manCPR. Among ECLS patients, 70% had time exceeding protocol: 8 (7.5%) had CPC ≤2 (half of them with low-flow times between 45 and 90 min), 2 (1.9%) survived with severe neurological disabilities, and 13 brain-dead (12.0%) became organ donors.

CONCLUSIONS

MechCPR patients achieved ROSC more frequently than manual CPR patients; mechCPR was a crucial factor in an ECLS protocol for refractory OHCA. ECLS offered a chance of survival to patients who would otherwise die.

Early mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation can improve outcomes in patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest in the emergency department

Objective

To compare the outcomes of patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest (CA) who received early versus late mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the Lund University Cardiac Assist System (LUCAS) device in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study in the ED of a single medical center performed from May 2018 to December 2019; 68 patients with CA were eligible. We grouped the patients according to the time to initiating LUCAS use after CA into an early group (≤4 minutes) and late group (>4 minutes).

Results

The rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was higher in the early group vs the late group (69.2% vs 52.4%, respectively). The 4-hour survival rate was significantly higher in the early group vs the late group (83.3% vs 45.5%, respectively), and CPR duration was significantly shorter in the early group (23.3 ± 12.5 vs 31.1 ± 14.8 minutes, respectively).

Conclusion

Early mechanical CPR can improve the success of achieving ROSC and the 4-hour survival rate in patients with non-traumatic CA in the ED, considering that more benefits were observed in patients who received early vs late LUCAS device therapy.

The role of automated compression devices in out-of- and in- hospital cardiac arrest. Can we spare rescuers’ hands?

Research regarding the use of mechanical compressions in the setting of a cardiac arrest, either outside of or inside the hospital environment has produced mixed results. The debate whether they can replace manual compressions still remains. The aim of this review is to present current literature contemplating the application of mechanical compressions in both settings, data comparing them to manual compressions as well as current guidelines regarding their implementation in everyday clinical use. Currently, their implementation in the resuscitation protocol seems to benefit the victims of an in-hospital cardiac arrest rather than the victims that sustain a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital.

Metrics of mechanical chest compression device use in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

The quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) affects outcomes from cardiac arrest, yet manual CPR is difficult to administer. Although mechanical CPR (mCPR) devices offer high quality CPR, only limited data describe their deployment, their interaction with standard manual CPR (sCPR), and the consequent effects on chest compression continuity and patient outcomes. We sought to describe the interaction between sCPR and mCPR and the impact of the sCPR-mCPR transition upon outcomes in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

We analyzed all adult ventricular fibrillation OHCA treated by the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) during calendar year 2016. AFD protocols include the immediate initiation of sCPR upon rescuer arrival and transition to mCPR, guided by patient status. We compared CPR timing, performance, and outcomes between those receiving sCPR only and those receiving sCPR transitioning to mCPR (sCPR + mCPR).

RESULTS

All 19 sCPR-only patients achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after a median of 3.3 (interquartile range 2.2-5.1) minutes. Among 30 patients remaining pulseless after sCPR (median 6.9 [5.3-11.0] minutes), transition to mCPR occurred with a median chest compression interruption of 7 (5-13) seconds. Twenty-one of 30 sCPR + mCPR patients achieved ROSC after a median of 11.2 (5.7-23.8) additional minutes of mCPR. Survival differed between groups: sCPR only 14/19 (74%) versus sCPR + mCPR 13/30 (43%), P = 0.045.

CONCLUSION

In this series, transition to mCPR occurred in patients unresponsive to initial sCPR with only brief interruptions in chest compressions. Assessment of mCPR must consider the interactions with sCPR.

Mechanical, Team-Focused, Video-Reviewed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Improves Return of Spontaneous Circulation After Emergency Department Implementation

Background

Outcomes in cardiac arrest remain suboptimal. Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has not demonstrated clear clinical benefit; however, video review provides the capability to monitor CPR quality and provide constructive feedback to individuals and teams to improve their performance. The aim of our study was to evaluate cardiac arrest outcomes before and after initiation of a mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention.

Methods and Results

In 2018, our emergency department began using mechanical CPR; a new team‐focused strategy with nurse‐led Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support; and biweekly, multidisciplinary video review of cardiac arrests. A revised approach to resuscitation was generated from a performance improvement session, and in situ simulation was used to disseminate our approach. The primary outcome of this study was the return of spontaneous circulation rate before and after our mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention. Secondary outcomes included survival to admission and discharge. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used. The pre‐ and postintervention groups were similar at baseline. A total of 248 patients were included in our study (97 before and 151 after mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR). Return of spontaneous circulation was higher in the intervention group (41% versus 26%; P=0.014). There were nonsignificant increases in survival to admission (26% versus 20%; P=0.257) and survival to discharge (7% versus 3%; P=0.163). After controlling for covariates, the odds of return of spontaneous circulation remained higher after the intervention (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.14–3.89).

Conclusions

Implementation of our mechanical, team‐focused, video‐reviewed CPR intervention for cardiac arrest patients in our emergency department improved return of spontaneous circulation rates. Survival to hospital admission and discharge did not improve.

Use of Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Devices for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, 2010-2016

IMPORTANCE

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a common scenario facing prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) professionals and nearly always involves either manual or mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Mechanical CPR devices are expensive and prior clinical trials have not provided evidence of benefit for patients when compared with manual CPR.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the use of mechanical CPR in the prehospital setting and determine whether patient demographic characteristics or geographical location is associated with its use.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using the 2010 through 2016 National Emergency Medical Services Information System data. Participants included all patients identified by EMS professionals as having out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Use of CPR, categorized as manual or mechanical.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2016, 892 022 patients (38.6% female, 60.4% male, missing for 1%; mean [SD] age, 61.1 [20.5] years) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were identified by EMS professionals. Overall, manual CPR was used for 618 171 patients (69.3%) and mechanical CPR was used for 45 493 patients (5.1%). The risk-standardized rate of mechanical CPR use, accounting for patient demographic and geographical characteristics, rose from 1.9% in 2010 to 8.0% in 2016 (P < .001). In multivariable analyses, use of mechanical CPR devices was increasingly likely over time among patients identified with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by EMS professionals, increasing from an adjusted odds ratio of 1.58 (95% CI, 1.42-1.77; P < .001) when comparing 2011 with 2010, to an adjusted odds ratio of 11.32 (95% CI, 10.22-12.54; P < .001) when comparing 2016 with 2010. In addition, several other patient demographic and geographical characteristics were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving mechanical CPR, including being 65 years or older, being male, being Hispanic, as well as receiving treatment in the Northeast Census Region, in a suburban location, or in a zip code with a median annual income greater than $20 000.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Mechanical CPR device use increased more than 4-fold among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by EMS professionals. Given the high costs of mechanical CPR devices, better evidence is needed to determine whether these devices improve clinically meaningful outcomes for patients treated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by prehospital EMS professionals to justify the significant increase in their use.

Application of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices and their value in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective analysis of the German Resuscitation Registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest is an event with a limited prognosis which has not substantially changed since the first description of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in 1960. A promising new treatment approach may be mechanical CPR devices (mechanical CPR).

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of the German Resuscitation Registry between 2007-2014, we examined the outcome after using mechanical CPR on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We compared mechanical CPR to manual CPR. According to preclinical risk factors, we calculated the predicted ROSC-after-cardiac-arrest (RACA) score for each group and compared it to the rate of ROSC observed. Using multivariate analysis, we adjusted the influence of the devices' application on ROSC for epidemiological factors and therapeutic measures.

RESULTS

We included 19,609 patients in the study. ROSC was achieved in 51.5% of the mechanical CPR group (95%-CI 48.2-54.8%, ROSC expected 42.5%) and in 41.2% in the manual CPR group (95%-CI 40.4-41.9%, ROSC expected 39.2%). After multivariate adjustment, mechanical CPR was found to be an independent predictor of ROSC (OR 1.77; 95%-CI 1.48-2.12). Duration of CPR is a key determinant for achieving ROSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical CPR was associated with an increased rate of ROSC and when adjusted for risk factors appeared advantageous over manual CPR. Mechanical CPR devices may increase survival and should be considered in particular circumstances according to a physicians' decision, especially during prolonged resuscitation.

Manual Versus Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Case Against the Machine

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality, including chest compression rate, depth, and fraction of hands-on time, is integral to cardiac arrest survival. Introducing mechanized devices to target these measures of quality in the challenging prehospital environment holds great promise. Comparing mechanical to manual CPR, animal models deliver favorable results on markers of perfusion and manikin studies demonstrate improved consistency of high-quality CPR performance with device use. Factoring in real-world application with prospective randomized human trials; however, repeatedly fails to show improvements in patient-centered outcomes and thus cannot be supported by current scientific evidence.

Mechanical versus manual chest compressions in the treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients in a non-shockable rhythm: a randomised controlled feasibility trial (COMPRESS-RCT)

BACKGROUND

Mechanical chest compression devices consistently deliver high-quality chest compressions. Small very low-quality studies suggest mechanical devices may be effective as an alternative to manual chest compressions in the treatment of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. The aim of this feasibility trial is to assess the feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial in this patient population.

METHODS

COMPRESS-RCT is a multi-centre parallel group feasibility randomised controlled trial, designed to assess the feasibility of undertaking an effectiveness to compare the effect of mechanical chest compressions with manual chest compressions on 30-day survival following in-hospital cardiac arrest. Over approximately two years, 330 adult patients who sustain an in-hospital cardiac arrest and are in a non-shockable rhythm will be randomised in a 3:1 ratio to receive ongoing treatment with a mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS 2/3, Jolife AB/Stryker, Lund, Sweden) or continued manual chest compressions. It is intended that recruitment will occur on a 24/7 basis by the clinical cardiac arrest team. The primary study outcome is the proportion of eligible participants randomised in the study during site operational recruitment hours. Participants will be enrolled using a model of deferred consent, with consent for follow-up sought from patients or their consultee in those that survive the cardiac arrest event. The trial will have an embedded qualitative study, in which we will conduct semi-structured interviews with hospital staff to explore facilitators and barriers to study recruitment.

DISCUSSION

The findings of COMPRESS-RCT will provide important information about the deliverability of an effectiveness trial to evaluate the effect on 30-day mortality of routine use of mechanical chest compression devices in adult in-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN38139840 , date of registration 9th January 2017.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes with "pit crew" resuscitation and scripted initiation of mechanical CPR

OBJECTIVE

To compare OHCA outcomes in patients managed with mechanical versus manual CPR in an EMS system with a "pit crew" approach to resuscitation and a scripted sequence for the initiation of mechanical CPR.

METHODS

Through a year-long quality improvement effort we standardized the initial resuscitative efforts for OHCA, prioritizing a "pit crew" approach to high quality manual CPR, early defibrillation and basic airway management ahead of a scripted sequence for initiating mechanical CPR. We then analyzed outcomes for adult, non-traumatic OHCA attended in the following year (2016). We used a propensity score matched analysis to compare ROSC, survival to discharge, and neurologic status among patients managed with manual versus mechanical CPR while controlling for patient demographics and arrest characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 444 eligible OHCAs, 217 received manual and 227 received mechanical CPR. Crude ROSC (39.2% vs. 29.1%) and survival to discharge (13.8% vs. 5.7%) were higher with manual CPR. In the propensity matched analysis (n = 176 manual CPR; 176 mechanical CPR), both ROSC (38.6% vs. 28.4%; difference: 10.2%; CI: 0.4% to 20.0%) and survival to discharge (13.6% vs. 6.8%; difference: 6.8%; CI: 0.5% to 13.3%) remained significantly higher for patients receiving manual CPR.

CONCLUSIONS

In this EMS system with a standardized, "pit crew" approach to OHCA that prioritized initial high-quality initial resuscitative efforts and scripted the sequence for initiating mechanical CPR, use of mechanical CPR was associated with decreased ROSC and decreased survival to discharge.

Evolving Strategies in Cardiac Arrest Management

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, with a hospital discharge rate of approximately 10%. International resuscitation guidelines offer standardized cardiac arrest management approaches, but beyond the guidelines, are promising innovations to improve resuscitative care. Although clinical data do not yet support the routine use of mechanical chest compressions, corticosteroids, thrombolytics, and adjunctive ventilation devices during arrest, these therapies may have an important role in select patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a promising advancement and may have survival benefit in select patients. The evidence for standard therapies and these innovations is discussed.

Supportive technology in the resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the increasing value of technological tools to assess and augment the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and, in turn, improve chances of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

RECENT FINDINGS

After decades of disappointing survival rates, various emergency medical services systems worldwide are now seeing a steady rise in OHCA survival rates guided by newly identified 'sweet spots' for chest compression rate and chest compression depth, aided by monitoring for unnecessary pauses in chest compressions as well as methods to better ensure full-chest recoil after compressions. Quality-assurance programs facilitated by new technologies that monitor chest compression rate, chest compression depth, and/or frequent pauses have been shown to improve the quality of CPR. Further aided by other technologies that enhance flow or better identify the best location for hand placement, the future outlook for better survival is even more promising, particularly with the potential use of another technology - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for OHCA.

SUMMARY

After 5 decades of focus on manual chest compressions for CPR, new technologies for monitoring, guiding, and enhancing CPR performance may enhance outcomes from OHCA significantly in the coming years.

No Benefit in Neurologic Outcomes of Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest with Mechanical Compression Device

INTRODUCTION

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major cause of death and morbidity in the United States. Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has proven to be a key factor in improving survival. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcomes of OHCA when mechanical CPR (LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System™) was utilized compared to conventional CPR. Although controlled trials have not demonstrated a survival benefit to the routine use of mechanical CPR devices, there continues to be an interest for their use in OHCA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of OHCA comparing the outcomes of mechanical and manual chest compressions in a fire department based EMS system serving a population of 1.4 million residents. Mechanical CPR devices were geographically distributed on 11 of 33 paramedic ambulances. Data were collected over a 36-month period and outcomes were dichotomized based on utilization of mechanical CPR. The primary outcome measure was survival to hospital discharge with a cerebral performance category (CPC) score of 1 or 2.

RESULTS

This series had 3,469 OHCA reports, of which 2,999 had outcome data and met the inclusion criteria. Of these 2,236 received only manual CPR and 763 utilized a mechanical CPR device during the resuscitation. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was attained in 44% (334/763) of the mechanical CPR resuscitations and in 46% (1,020/2,236) of the standard manual CPR resuscitations (p = 0.32). Survival to hospital discharge was observed in 7% (52/763) of the mechanical CPR resuscitations and 9% (191/2,236) of the manual CPR group (p = 0.13). Discharge with a CPC score of 1 or 2 was observed in 4% (29/763) of the mechanical CPR resuscitation group and 6% (129/2,236) of the manual CPR group (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, use of the mechanical CPR device was associated with a poor neurologic outcome at hospital discharge. However, this difference was no longer evident after logistic regression adjusting for confounding variables. Resuscitation management following institution of mechanical CPR, specifically medication and airway management, may account for the poor outcome reported. Further investigation of resuscitation management when a mechanical CPR device is utilized is necessary to optimize survival benefit.

Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Hospital Survival Among Adult Patients With Nontraumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Attending the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study in Japan (SOS-KANTO [Survey of Survivors after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Kanto Area] 2012 Study)

Background

Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (mCPR) for patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest attending the emergency department has become more widespread in Japan. The objective of this study is to determine the association between the mCPR in the emergency department and clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

In a prospective, multicenter, observational study, adult patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with sustained circulatory arrest on hospital arrival were identified. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes included a return of spontaneous circulation and successful hospital admission. Multivariate analyses adjusted for potential confounders and within‐institution clustering effects using a generalized estimation equation were used to analyze the association of the mCPR with outcomes. Between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, 6537 patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest were eligible; this included 5619 patients (86.0%) in the manual CPR group and 918 patients (14.0%) in the mCPR group. Of those patients, 28.1% (1801/6419) showed return of spontaneous circulation in the emergency department, 20.4% (1175/5754) had hospital admission, 2.6% (168/6504) survived to hospital discharge, and 1.2% (75/6419) showed a favorable neurological outcome at 1 month after admission. Multivariate analyses revealed that mCPR was associated with a decreased likelihood of survival to hospital discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.78; P=0.005), return of spontaneous circulation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.94; P=0.018), and hospital admission (adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.80; P=0.001).

Conclusions

After accounting for potential confounders, the mCPR in the emergency department was associated with decreased likelihoods of good clinical outcomes after adult nontraumatic out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. Further studies are needed to clarify circumstances in which mCPR may benefit these patients.

Use of automated chest compression devices after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implementation of automated chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACC-CPR) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Sweden during the years 2011 through 2015. The association between ACC-CPR and 30-day survival was studied as a secondary objective.

METHODS

The Swedish cardiopulmonary resuscitation registry is a prospectively recorded nationwide registry of modified Utstein parameters including all patients with attempted resuscitation after OHCA. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for known confounders in the secondary analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 24,316 patients included in the study population, 32.4% received ACC-CPR, with substantial regional variation ranging from 0.8% to 78.8%. Male gender and an initial shockable rhythm were associated with ACC-CPR, whereas crew witnessed status was associated with manual CPR. Potential markers of prolonged resuscitation attempts (drug administration and endotracheal intubation) were more prevalent in the ACC-CPR group. The unadjusted 30-day survival rate was 6.3% for ACC-CPR patients. The adjusted odds ratio for 30-day survival regarding use of an ACC device was 0.72 (95% CI 0.62-0.84, p<0.001, n=13922).

CONCLUSION

The use of ACC devices varied significantly between Swedish regions and overall survival to 30days was low among patients receiving ACC-CPR. Although measured and unmeasured confounding might explain our finding of lower survival rates for patients exposed to ACC-CPR, specific guidelines recommending when and how ACC-CPR should be used are warranted as there might be circumstances where these devices do more harm than good.

Improvements in the quality of advanced life support and patient outcome after implementation of a standardized real-life post-resuscitation feedback system

BACKGROUND

Educational aspects in the training of advanced life support (ALS) represent a key role in critical care management of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and received special attention in guidelines of various international societies. While a positive association of feedback on ALS performance in training conditions is well established, data on the impact of a real-life post-resuscitation feedback on both ALS quality and outcome remain scarce and inconclusive. We aimed to elucidate the impact of a standardized post-resuscitation feedback on quality of ALS and improvements in patient outcome, in a real-life out-of-hospital setting.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled and analyzed 2209 patients presenting with OHCA receiving resuscitation attempts by the municipal emergency medical service (EMS) of Vienna over a two-year period. A standardized post-resuscitation feedback protocol was delivered to the respective EMS-team to elucidate its impact on the quality of ALS.

RESULTS

We observed that both chest compression rates and ratios were in accordance to recommendations of recent guidelines. While interruptions of chest compressions longer than 30s declined during the observation period (-6.5%) rates of the recommended chest compressions during defibrillator-charging periods increased (+8.9%). Since the percentage of ROSC and 30-day survival remained balanced, the frequencies of both survival until hospital discharge (+6.3%) and favorable neurological outcome (+16%) in survivors significantly increased during the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Improvements in the quality of advanced life support as well the patient outcome were observed after the implementation of a standardized post-resuscitation feedback protocol.