Ultrasound use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with delays in chest compressions

High-quality chest compressions are a critical component of the resuscitation of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used frequently during emergency department (ED) resuscitations, but there has been limited research assessing its benefits and harms during the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We hypothesized that use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation adversely affects high-quality CPR by lengthening the duration of pulse checks beyond the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommendation of 10s.

We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults in cardiac arrest treated in an urban ED between August 2015 and September 2016. Resuscitations were recorded using video equipment in designated resuscitation rooms, and the use of POCUS was documented and timed. A linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate the effect of POCUS on pulse check duration.

Twenty-three patients were enrolled in our study. The mean duration of pulse checks with POCUS was 21.0s (95% CI, 18-24) compared with 13.0s (95% CI, 12-15) for those without POCUS. POCUS increased the duration of pulse checks and CPR interruption by 8.4s (95% CI, 6.7-10.0 [p<0.0001]). Age, body mass index (BMI), and procedures did not significantly affect the duration of pulse checks.

The use of POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation was associated with significantly increased duration of pulse checks, nearly doubling the 10-s maximum duration recommended in current guidelines. It is important for acute care providers to pay close attention to the duration of interruptions in the delivery of chest compressions when using POCUS during cardiac arrest resuscitation.