Active compression-decompression CPR: a progress report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2026

An Alternative to the Traditional Cold Pressor Test: The Cold Pressor Arm Wrap
Published on: January 16, 2014
1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Abstract:
Within the last several years a new method of CPR, termed active compression-decompression (ACD) CPR was developed. Based upon the theory that active rather than passive chest wall decompression would augment venous return and ventilation by causing an increase in negative intrathoracic pressure during the decompression phase of CPR, a hand-held device was designed and is now being used clinically. Studies in dogs and pigs in ventricular fibrillation have demonstrated a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, coronary perfusion pressure and total brain and myocardial blood flow with ACD CPR compared with standard CPR. Animal and human studies suggest that the mechanism of ACD CPR is complex, with coronary perfusion occurring during both the compression and decompression phases. Clinical studies comparing ACD to standard CPR in patients in cardiac arrest demonstrate that immediate resuscitation rates are nearly doubled when ACD CPR is started within 10 min after cardiac arrest. The potential long term benefits of ACD CPR remain under investigation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

