Performances and limits of Bag-Valve-Device for pre-oxygenation and manual ventilation: A comparative bench and...

Bag-Valve-Device (BVD) is the most frequently used device for pre-oxygenation and ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A minimal expired fraction of oxygen (FeO₂) above 0.85 is recommended during pre-oxygenation while insufflated volume (VTi) should be reduced during manual ventilation. The objective was to compare the performances of different BVD in simulated conditions.

Nine BVD were evaluated during pre-oxygenation: spontaneous breathing patients were simulated on a test lung (mild and severe conditions). FeO₂ was measured with and without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). CO₂ rebreathing was evaluated. Then, manual ventilation was performed by 36 caregivers (n = 36) from three hospitals on a specific manikin; same procedure was repeated by 3 caregivers (n = 3) on two human cadavers with three of the nine BVD: In non-CPR scenario and during mechanical CPR with Interrupted Chest Compressions strategy (30:2).

Pre-oxygenation: FeO₂ was lower than 0.85 for three BVD in severe condition and for two BVD in mild condition. FeO₂ was higher than 0.85 in eight of nine BVD with an additional PEEP valve (PEEP 5 cmH₂O). One BVD induced CO₂ rebreathing. Manual ventilation: For non-CPR manual ventilation, mean VTi was within the predefined lung protective range (4-8 mL/kg PBW) for all BVD on the bench. For CPR manual ventilation, mean VTi was above the range for three BVD on the bench. Similar results were observed on cadavers.

Several BVD did not reach the FeO₂ required during pre-oxygenation. Manual ventilation was significantly less protective in three BVD. These observations are related to the different BVD working principles.