Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Development and Evaluation of 3D-Printed Cardiovascular Phantoms for Interventional Planning and Training
Published on: January 18, 2021
A look inside cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A 4D computed tomography model of simulated closed chest compression. A
Kasper Hansen1, Ruth Machin2, Jonathon James2
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Comparative Medicine Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; University of Leicester, East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, Robert Kilpatrick Building, Level, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
Aim:
To mimic chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), this study aimed to produce time-resolved 3D (volumetric) reformats of thoracic and upper abdominal tissue movement during incremental closed chest compression/decompression from 0 to 8 to 0 cm.
Methods:
Sequential angiography enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired from a recently deceased, consented adult cadaver with 1 cm incremental closed chest compression/decompression. Three compression/decompression sequences from 0 to 3 cm, 0 to 5 cm, and 0 to 8 cm, respectively, were scanned using a radio-opaque, manually operated, chest compression device. The multiphase volumetric data sets were compiled into 4D models that allowed for multiplanar reformatted and volume rendered image manipulation.
Results:
Time-resolved volumetric (4D) models were produced using freeware to post-process the static CT scans. The 4D models allowed the study of simulated thoracic and upper abdominal content movement during closed chest compression.
Conclusions:
The method described could assist CPR researchers and educators in the development and demonstration of effective CPR protocols.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

