Smaller tidal volumes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: comparison of adult and paediatric self-inflatable bags with three different ventilatory devices

Abstract

Gastric inflation and subsequent regurgitation of stomach contents is a major hazard of bag-valve-face mask ventilation during the basic life support phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent investigations suggested that use of a paediatric self-inflating bag may reduce stomach inflation while ensuring sufficient lung ventilation. The purpose of our study was to examine whether use of a paediatric self-inflating bag in association with laryngeal mask airway, combitube, and bag-valve-face mask may provide adequate lung ventilation, while reducing the risk of gastric inflation in a bench model simulating the initial phase of CPR. Sixteen intensive care unit registered nurses volunteered for our study. Use of a paediatric versus adult self-inflating bag resulted in a significantly ( P<0.01) lower mean (±S.D.) tidal lung volume with both the laryngeal mask airway and combitube (laryngeal mask airway 349±149 ml versus 725±266 ml, combitube 389±113 ml versus 1061±451 ml). Lung tidal volumes were below the European Resuscitation Council recommendation with both self-inflatable bags in the bag-valve-face mask group (paediatric versus adult self-inflatable bag 256±77 ml versus 334±125 ml). Esophageal tidal volumes were significantly ( P<0.05) lower using the paediatric self-inflatable bag in the bag-valve-face mask group; almost no gastric inflation occurred with the laryngeal mask airway, and none with the combitube. In conclusion, use of the paediatric self-inflating bag may reduce gastric inflation, but measured lung tidal volumes are below the European Resuscitation Council recommendation when used with either, the laryngeal mask airway, combitube, or bag-valve-face mask.