Elevation of head and thorax increases cerebral perfusion pressure and lowers intracranial pressure after restoration of spontaneous circulation in a porcine model of cardiac arrest

Abstract

Aim: Pre-clinical studies have shown that a controlled sequential head and thorax elevation during active compression decompression (ACD) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an impedance threshold device (ITD) improves cerebral blood flow vs. the flat position. The optimal head and thorax position after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether head and thorax elevation is beneficial post-ROSC.