Are chest compressions safe for the patient reconstructed with sternal plates? Evaluating the safety of cardiopulmonary resuscitation using a human cadaveric model.
Summary of "Are chest compressions safe for the patient reconstructed with sternal plates? Evaluating the safety of cardiopulmonary resuscitation using a human cadaveric model."
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Plate and screw fixation is a recent addition to the sternal wound treatment armamentarium. Patients undergoing cardiac and major vascular surgery have a higher risk of postoperative arrest than other elective patients. Those who undergo sternotomy for either cardiac or major vascular procedures are at a higher risk of postoperative arrest. Sternal plate design allows quick access to the mediastinum facilitating open cardiac massage, but chest compressions are the mainstay of re-establishing cardiac output in the event of arrest. The response of sternal plate and the chest wall to compressions when plated has not been studied. The safety of performing this maneuver is unknown. This study intends to demonstrate compressions are safe after sternal plating.
METHODS:
We investigated the effect of chest compressions on the plated sternum using a human cadaveric model. Cadavers were plated, an arrest was simulated, and an experienced physician performed a simulated resuscitation. Intrathoracic pressure was monitored throughout to ensure the plates encountered an appropriate degree of force. The hardware and viscera were evaluated for failure and trauma respectively.
RESULTS:
No hardware failure or obvious visceral trauma was observed. Rib fractures beyond the boundaries of the plates were noted but the incidence was comparable to control and to the fracture incidence after resuscitation previously cited in the literature.
CONCLUSIONS:
From this work we believe chest compressions are safe for the patient with sternal plates when proper plating technique is used. We advocate the use of this life-saving maneuver as part of an ACLS resuscitation in the event of an arrest for rapidly re-establishing circulation.
Affiliation
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Journal of cardiothoracic surgery
ISSN: 1749-8090
Pages: 64
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20718981
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1749-8090-5-64
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Acute Chest Syndrome
Respiratory syndrome characterized by the appearance of a new pulmonary infiltrate on chest x-ray, accompanied by symptoms of fever, cough, chest pain, tachypnea, or DYSPNEA, often seen in patients with SICKLE CELL ANEMIA. Multiple factors (e.g., infection, and pulmonary FAT EMBOLISM) may contribute to the development of the syndrome.
Chest Pain
Pressure, burning, or numbness in the chest.
Knee-chest Position
The posture of an individual supported by the knees and chest resting on a table.
Mass Chest X-ray
X-ray screening of large groups of persons for diseases of the lung and heart by means of radiography of the chest.
Chest Wall Oscillation
A respiratory support system used to remove mucus and clear airway by oscillating pressure on the chest.
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