Comparison of a 10-breaths-per-minute versus a 2-breaths-per-minute strategy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a porcine model of cardiac arrest.

Abstract

Contrary to our initial hypothesis, during the first 5 min of CPR, 2 breaths/min resulted in significantly lower carotid blood flow and brain-tissue oxygen tension than did 10 breaths/min. Subsequent addition of an impedance threshold device significantly enhanced carotid flow and brain-tissue oxygen tension, especially in the 10-breaths/min group.