Abstract 268: Evaluation of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet as an Adjunct to Chest Compressions in a Swine Model of Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Introduction: Overall success in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest using traditional chest compressions is low. The abdominal aortic and junctional tourniquet (AAJT) is a device with a wedge-shaped air bladder that can be used to occlude the descending aorta at the level of bifurcation. In addition to shunting blood away from the lower extremities, this device may increase pleural pressures by inhibiting movement of the diaphragm during compressions. We have previously shown that the addition of an AAJT to mechanical chest compression leads to an increase in rate of survival in a model of traumatic cardiac arrest. Hypothesis: This study was designed to determine if application of the AAJT would lead to more effective chest compressions as measured by an increased rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and hemodynamic parameters. Methods: Yorkshire swine (n=6 per group) underwent general anesthesia and instrumentation. Ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced using spinal needles placed in contact with the left ventricle. After eight minutes of arrest, chest compressions were initiated. Animals were then allocated into groups with or without the AAJT. Following a total of ten minutes of compressions, the animals entered into a ten-minute advanced cardiac life support phase. Results: A ROSC was not achieved in either group. No significant differences were observed with coronary perfusion pressure or end tidal CO 2 . However, the AAJT group had a significantly higher carotid diastolic pressure and higher blood flow in the carotid as compared with repeated-measures ANOVA (p = 0.016 and 0.028 respectively). Conclusion: The AAJT did not confer a survival advantage during chest compressions in our swine model of cardiac arrest. However, while the AAJT was in place, improvement was observed in some measures of CPR efficacy. Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official views or policy of the Department of Defense or its Components. The experiments reported herein were conducted according to the principles set forth in the National Institute of Health Publication No. 80-23, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended.