[New aspects of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation with particular emphasis on brain protection]

Recent advances in modern technology of resuscitation aim at improving conditions for the survival of the hypoxaemic and ischaemic damaged brain. In this paper we briefly outline the historical development of resuscitation and summarize the new efforts to favourably coordinate the support of respiration and external cardiac compression. Besides the possibility to apply drugs intratracheally is mentioned, and the influence of the technique of CPR and pharmacologic measures for the protection and resuscitation of the brain are considered.