Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the pregnant patient: a manikin-based evaluation of methods for producing lateral tilt

The importance of minimising aortocaval compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in late pregnancy is widely accepted. Current European guidelines suggest employing manual displacement of the uterus with left lateral tilt to achieve this. Several methods for producing lateral tilt have been described; however, the optimum method is unknown. By performing simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin, we compared four of these methods: a folded labour ward pillow; a pre-formed foam wedge; a custom-made hard wooden wedge; and the 'human wedge'. Primary outcome measures were maintenance of adequate tilt, stability and effectiveness of chest compressions (rate, depth and adequate release). Overall, the foam and wooden wedges were significantly more stable and reliable at maintaining tilt than the pillow (p<0.0001); the wooden wedge was more stable and effective than the foam wedge (p<0.0001). Chest compressions were least effective with the human wedge (p=0.02). Effectiveness of chest compressions with lateral tilt was comparable to that reported previously in supine manikin studies. We recommend the use of dedicated foam or hard wedges rather than pillows or the human wedge for producing lateral tilt during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.