Time to Resuscitate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The 3R/CPR Refill-Recoil-Rebound

Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a major healthcare issue worldwide with gloomy outcomes due to poor perfusion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), deemed unsuitable for hemostatic conditions, cardiotorsal anatomy, electrophysiology, and thoracic biomechanics. Alternatively, we propose a new management, implementing rational exploitation of the stagnant blood masses: manually with a novel technique of cardiac massage and mechanically with a circulatory flow restoration (CFR) device.

Methods: Simulated chest compressions were performed through the 5th intercostal space in professional Lifeguards volunteers, placed in the left lateral decubitus position with raised legs and abdominal compression.

Results: Bypassing the sternal barrier, refilling the heart, and then compressing the chest with a recoil-rebound maneuver (3R / CPR) can significantly promote return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The effectiveness of the CFR device versus CPR has previously been demonstrated in the literature.

Conclusion: Unlike current CPR, the 3R/CPR adapts human morphology and provides adequate myocardial perfusion promoting ROSC safely, under all circumstances. Preclinical computational models can confirm the effectiveness of the technique.