Cadaver models for cardiac arrest: A systematic review and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Emergency Medicine Research

Background:

• Cadaver models are utilized in cardiac arrest research to simulate real-world scenarios.
• Existing research exhibits significant heterogeneity in the types and reporting of cadaver models used.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of current cadaver models for cardiac arrest.
• To identify the most appropriate cadaver model for improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies on cardiac arrest and cadaver models.
• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, etc.) up to February 2019.
• Included studies in English or French using cadaver models for research or simulation.

Main Results:

• 29 articles were selected from 244 initial results.
• Fresh cadavers (55%) and Thiel-embalmed cadavers were commonly used.
• Models showed realism but lacked simulated circulation, a key limitation.

Conclusions:

• Four types of cadaver models are employed in cardiac arrest research.
• Heterogeneity and poor reporting hinder study comparisons.
• Standardization and uniform reporting of human cadaver models are needed.