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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

Resuscitative thoracotomies and open chest cardiac compressions in non-traumatic cardiac arrest

Authors: Daniel Kristoffer Kornhall, Thomas Dolven

Published in: World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Since the popularisation of closed chest cardiac compressions in the 1960s, open chest compressions in non-traumatic cardiac arrest have become a largely forgotten art. Today, open chest compressions are only rarely performed outside operating theatres. Early defibrillation and high quality closed chest compressions is the dominating gold standard for the layman on the street as well as for the resuscitation specialist. In this paper we argue that the concept of open chest direct cardiac compressions in non-traumatic cardiac arrest should be revisited and that it might be due for a revival. Numerous studies demonstrate how open chest cardiac compressions are superior to closed chest compressions in regards to physiological parameters and outcomes. Thus, by incorporating resuscitative thoracotomies and open chest compressions in our algorithms for non-traumatic cardiac arrest we may improve outcomes.

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Title: Resuscitative thoracotomies and open chest cardiac compressions in non-traumatic cardiac arrest
Authors: Daniel Kristoffer Kornhall
Thomas Dolven
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: World Journal of Emergency Surgery / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1749-7922
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-7922-9-54

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Resuscitative thoracotomies and open chest cardiac compressions in non-traumatic cardiac arrest

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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