Endobronchial instillation of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We used a standard animal CPR model to study the effectiveness and hemodynamic response of 100 micrograms/kg epinephrine administered endobronchially and to compare the findings after conventional iv administration. Results showed that the endobronchial and iv epinephrine medication improved the survival rate by 100% compared to that of a control group receiving no medication. Although the hemodynamic conditions during cardiac compression were not significantly different after both routes of drug administration, endobronchial instillation produced a prolonged drug action during the first hour of restored spontaneous circulation. A more extensive use of this type of drug administration, especially in out-of-hospital resuscitation, is suggested.