Compliance Characteristics of the Human Chest During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

摘要

The authors determined the compliance properties of the human chest during mechanical compression of the sternum in 11 adults. These subjects were undergoing sternal compression either as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation following cardiac arrest or while preparing for resuscitative measures in subjects with intact circulation and no prior chest trauma. Sternal force was exerted for 0.6 sec and then released to 0.4 sec 60 times per minute. Peak force was increased in stepwise fashion between compressions and the induced displacement of the sternum measured throughout each compression and release cycle up to a maximum peak force of 70 to 100 lbs. The studies characterized chest compliance with sternal pressure. They provide the basis for the continued use of subjects who have undergone prior, relatively brief periods, of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the study of chest compliance characteristics and point to the need for further studies using a variety of location and size of areas for force application.