A study of anatomical structures at the compression site of the mechanical CPR device lucas 3 in cardiopulmonary arrest patients

Background- objectives: Mechanical CPR devices are introduced to the resuscitation guidelines in recent years. Although it is scientifically proven that these devices deliver resuscitation outcomes similar to manual CPR, there is no information regarding which anatomical structures are being compressed. Our study aims to find which anatomical structures are compressed during mechanical CPR by LUCAS 3. Material- method: Our study was carried out in Akdeniz University hospital department of radiology and Ethics Committee approval was obtained before initiating the study. Randomly selected 100 chest CT Images were used for the study. Anatomical structures beneath LUCAS 3 compression site, sternal lengths and anteroposterior chest diameters were assessed by radiologist. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Most common anatomical structure compressed during mechanical CPR using correctly positioned LUCAS 3 was left atrium. Left ventricle was compressed in only 31% of the patients. Left lobe of the liver is at risk for injury due to anatomical proximity. Discussion: Left atrium is most commonly compressed structure during mechanical CPR dome using LUCAS 3. Left ventricle was compressed in only 31% of the patients. Key Words: mechanical chest compressions, CPR, LUCAS