Open Chest Cardiac Massage

Question 1

When is open chest cardiac massage currently used

Answer 1

Traumatic cardiac arrest, post cardiothoracic surgery, when chest is already open

Question 2

What are the cons of open chest cardiac massage

Answer 2

Cost
Skill
Complications - vagus, phrenic, vessels, lung, myocardium
It would be a relative contraindication for thrombolysis

Question 3

How is coronary perfusion pressure calculated

Answer 3

Aortic diastolic pressure - LV EDP

Question 4

What are the pros of open cardiac massage

Answer 4

Can use internal defib pads at same time
Can occlude the aorta at the same time to increase coronary and cerebral perfusion
CPR can be performed on people with abnormal chest wall anatomy