Minimally invasive direct cardiac massage and defibrillation
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Semi-Minimal Invasive Method to Induce Myocardial Infarction in Rats and the Assessment of Cardiac Function by an Isolated Working Heart System
Published on: June 11, 2020
1Department of Accident and Emergency, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
Abstract:
Direct massage of the heart may be performed using a specifically designed device inserted via a limited thoracic incision. The technique is simple to perform and has been shown in experimental studies to be physiologically similar to formal open-chest cardiac massage. Preliminary human studies have been encouraging and pre-hospital and in-hospital studies are in progress. Modification of the device allows combined epicardial-transthoracic defibrillation. Energy requirements for successful defibrillation using this method are considerably lower than standard external defibrillation.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

