Effects of active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the inspiratory threshold valve in a young porcine model of cardiac arrest

Active compression-decompression (ACD) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the inspiratory threshold valve (ITV) has been recently recommended by the American Heart Association for treatment of adults in cardiac arrest (class IIb: alternative, useful intervention), but this new technique has never been used in a pediatric population. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate ACD + ITV CPR in a young porcine model of cardiac arrest. After 10 min of ventricular fibrillation, and 8 min of standard CPR, ACD + ITV CPR was performed in seven 4- to 6-wk-old pigs (8-12 kg); defibrillation was attempted 8 min later. Within 2 min after initiation of ACD + ITV CPR, mean (± SEM) coronary perfusion pressure increased from 18 ± 2 to 24 ± 3 mm Hg (p = 0.018). During standard versus ACD + ITV CPR, mean left ventricular myocardial and total cerebral blood flow was 59 ± 21 versus 126 ± 32 mL·min-1·100 g^-1, and 36 ± 7 versus 60 ± 15 mL·min^-1·100 g^-1, respectively (p = 0.028). Six of seven animals were successfully defibrillated, and survived <15 min. In conclusion, the combination of ACD + ITV CPR significantly increased both coronary perfusion pressure and vital organ blood flow after prolonged standard CPR in this young porcine model of ventricular fibrillation.