Unexpected collateral impact after out of hospital resuscitation using LUCAS system

Abstract Background Mechanical chest compression using a piston device during reanimation is often the only way to ensure stable chest compression at a constant rate and force. However, its use can be associated with severe fractures of the thoracic rib cage and endanger the clinical course of the p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jasmin Hasmik Shahinian, Jonas Quitt, Mark Wiese, Friedrich Eckstein, Oliver Reuthebuch
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2017-09-01
Series:Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13019-017-0643-z
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Mechanical chest compression using a piston device during reanimation is often the only way to ensure stable chest compression at a constant rate and force. However, its use can be associated with severe fractures of the thoracic rib cage and endanger the clinical course of the patient. Thus, the usage of such a piston device during the reanimation has currently been classified as a mere Class IIB indication. Case presentation We present a case of a 66-year-old male who underwent emergent CABG surgery after receiving out-of-hospital resuscitation as a result of myocardial infarction using the LUCAS system. Due to severe bilateral rib fractures a concomitant emergency chest-wall stabilization surgery had to be performed to ensure uncompromised graft flow to obtain stable cardiac function and hemodynamics. Conclusions Reanimation using LUCAS-System might enable stable resuscitation conditions. However, it is crucial not to underestimate potential collateral damage which can in turn aggravate patient’s clinical condition.
ISSN:1749-8090