Intra-arrest selective brain cooling improves success of resuscitation in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest☆
Abstract
Aims of study
We have previously demonstrated that early intra-nasal cooling improved post-resuscitation neurological outcomes. The present study utilizing a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest investigated the effects of intra-nasal cooling initiated at the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on resuscitation success. Our hypothesis was that rapid nasal cooling initiated during “low-flow” improves return of spontaneous resuscitation (ROSC).
Methods
In 16 domestic male pigs weighing 40
±
3
kg, VF was electrically induced and untreated for 15
min. Animals were randomized to either head cooling or control. CPR was initiated and continued for 5
min before defibrillation was attempted. Coincident with starting CPR, the hypothermic group was cooled with a RhinoChill™ device which produces evaporative cooling in the nasal cavity of pigs. No cooling was administrated to control animals. If ROSC was not achieved after defibrillation, CPR was resumed for 1
min prior to the next defibrillation attempt until either successful resuscitation or for a total of 15
min.
Main results
Seven of eight animals in the hypothermic group (87.5%) and two of eight animals in control group (25%) (p
=
0.04) were successfully resuscitated. At ROSC, brain temperature was increased from baseline by 0.3
°C in the control group, and decreased by 0.1
°C in the hypothermic animals. Pulmonary artery temperature was above baseline in both groups.
Conclusion
Intra-nasal cooling initiated at the start of CPR significantly improves the success of resuscitation in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest. This may have occurred by preventing brain hyperthermia.
Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Hypothermia, Intra-nasal cooling, ROSC, Resuscitation
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☆ A Spanish translated version of the abstract of this article appears as Appendix in the final online version at doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.01.027.
PII: S0300-9572(10)00077-8
doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.01.027
© 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

