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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
A Rat Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Resuscitation by Conventional Closed-chest Technique
Published on: April 26, 2015
Abdominal compressions do not achieve similar survival rates compared with chest compressions: an experimental study
Theodoros Xanthos1, Eleni Bassiakou, Ismene Dontas
1Department of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University of Athens Medical School, Greece.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to investigate whether abdominal compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) would result in similar survival rates and neurologic outcome than chest compression CPR in a swine model of cardiac arrest.
Materials And Methods:
Forty Landrace/Large White piglets were randomized into 2 groups: group A (n = 20) was resuscitated using chest compression CPR, and group B (n = 20) was resuscitated with abdominal compression CPR. Ventricular fibrillation was induced with a pacemaker catheter, and animals were left untreated for 8 minutes. Abdominal and chest compressions were applied with a mechanical compressor. Defibrillation was then attempted.
Results:
Neuron-specific enolase and S-100 levels were significantly higher in group B. Ten animals survived for 24 hours in group A in contrast to only 3 animals in group B (P < .05). Neurologic alertness score was worse in group B compared with group A.
Conclusion:
Abdominal compression CPR does not improve survival and neurologic outcome in this swine model of cardiac arrest and CPR.
