Mechanical cardiac massage
Christensen, P.H.øj.; Barnung, S.; Steinmetz, J.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 171(35): 2463-2465
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 19732531 Document Number: 628903
Continuous delivery of high-quality chest compressions is the most important and difficult part of resuscitation. Two automatic mechanical chest compression devices - LUCAS and Autopulse - have been implemented in Denmark in order to optimize the circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. In spite of some practical benefits, improved haemodynamics in animal models, and a possible increase in short-term survival, none of the devices improved the long-term survival or neurological outcome in patients with cardiac arrest. Future randomized trials are crucial.