Vest CPR - A Promising New Modality Of Resuscitation

Studies of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have lead to development of a theory that the movement of blood during CPR is largely due to rises in intrathoracic pressure rather than direct squeezing of the heart during chest compression. A logical consequence of this theory was the development of vest CPR, whereby an inflatable vest encircles the patient's chest and cyclically generates relatively uniform chest compression. Animal studies have demonstrated improved survival over standard CPR, and preliminary human studies have shown improved hemodynamics. Survival studies in patients are underway.