Comparison of chest compressions with and without LUCAS3 mechanical chest compression system during resuscitation performed by novice physicians

Abstract

Introduction. High quality chest compression is one of the basic elements influencing the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thus the return of spontaneous circulation. In the case of prolonged resuscitation or when the resuscitation is carried out by one person, the quality of chest compressions may decrease. Mechanical chest compression systems may be helpful. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of manual chest compression and mechanical chest compression system LUCAS3 during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation conducted by novice physicians. Material and methods. The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, cross-over simulation study. The study involved 36 novice physicians to perform chest compressions with and without the LUCAS3 chest compression system. The participants performed chest compressions continuously. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Polish Society of Disaster Medicine (Approval no.: 32.05.2017.IRB). Results. The depth of chest compressions measured in the second minute of resuscitation with and without LUCAS3 was 52 (IQR: 51-53) and 51 (IQR: 45-53) mm, respectively, with chest compression rates of 110 (IQR: 105.2-115.2) and 127 (IQR: 102-133) compressions per minute. For manual chest compressions, incomplete chest recoil was 15 (IQR: 8-21)% and for LUCAS3 0 (IQR: 0-1)%. From 4, through 6 and 8 minutes of resuscitation, LUCAS3 chest compressions were statistically significantly better (p < 0.05) compared to manual chest compressions for all analyzed chest compression parameters (depth and rate of chest compression; degree of chest recoil and point of chest compression). Conclusions. In a simulation study, novice physicians using the LUCAS3 chest compression system performed higher quality chest compressions than manual chest compressions. With prolonged resuscitation, the quality of manual chest compressions decreases significantly.