Comparing sternal versus left-sided chest compressions for thoracoabdonimal injuries and compression biomechanics: A clinical-grade cadaver study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The lower half of the sternum is currently recommended as the area of compression (AOC) in CPR. Compressions over this area often result in outflow obstruction and inadequate compression of the left ventricle. Alternative left-sided chest compressions that target the left ventricle may improve cardiac arrest outcomes. However, little is known about the risks of thoracoabdominal injuries or the biomechanics of left-sided compressions.

Methods

The objective of this study was to examine the thoracoabdominal injury patterns and compression biomechanics during standard (control) and left-sided (experimental; off sternum, patient left, 6th rib) chest compressions. N = 6 clinical-grade cadavers (control n = 2; experimental n = 4) underwent six 2-minute rounds of chest co

SUBMITTER: Gould J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11786900 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature