A technique revisited

Abstract

Open-chest cardiac massage is superior to closed-chest cardiac massage in providing relaxation-phase and compression-phase pressure gradients during cardiac arrest in patients failing current ACLS protocols. During open-chest cardiac massage, all patients exceeded the minimum coronary perfusion pressure of 15 mm Hg, which is recommended to obtain a return of spontaneous circulation. Further outcome studies are needed to determine the timeliness and appropriate indications for open-chest cardiac massage.