Related Experiment Videos
Intraoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone position
J D Tobias1, G A Mencio, R Atwood
1Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the prone position is challenging but possible. This case study demonstrates successful CPR in a pediatric patient during spinal fusion using reversed precordial compressions.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Cardiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is occasionally required in the operating room.
- Performing CPR is difficult when patients are in the prone position.
- The supine position, optimal for CPR, may pose risks to craniospinal structures.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy experienced cardiac arrest during spinal fusion surgery.
- The patient was in the prone position, making standard CPR challenging.
- The surgical team opted for CPR with the patient remaining prone.
Findings:
- Successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was achieved in the prone position.
- A technique termed "reversed precordial compressions" was employed.
- The patient was resuscitated after 7 minutes of asystole.
- Effective cardiac output was maintained, confirmed by multiple monitoring methods.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of performing CPR in the prone position.
- Reversed precordial compressions offer a viable alternative when supine positioning is not feasible.
- This technique may improve outcomes for patients requiring CPR during prone surgeries.