The effects of mechanical versus bag-valve ventilation on gas exchange during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergency department patients: A randomized controlled trial (CPR-VENT).

Introduction: Effective ventilation is crucial for successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Previous studies indicate that higher arterial oxygen levels (PaO) during CPR increase the chances of successful resuscitation. However, the advantages of mechanical ventilators over bag-valve ventilation for achieving optimal PaO during CPR remain uncertain.

Method: We conducted a randomized trial involving non-traumatic adult cardiac arrest patients who received CPR in the ED. After intubation, patients were randomly assigned to ventilate with a mechanical ventilator (MV) or bag valve ventilation (BV). In MV group, ventilation settings were: breath rate 10/minute, tidal volume 6-7 ml/kg, inspiratory time 1 second, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cm water, inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO) 100%. The primary outcome was to compare the difference in PaO from arterial blood gases (ABG) obtained 4-10 minutes later during CPR between both groups.

Results: Sixty patients were randomized (30 in each group). The study population consisted of: 57% male, median age 62 years, 37% received bystander CPR, and 20% had an initial shockable rhythm. Median time from arrest to intubation was 24 minutes. The median PaO was not significantly different in the BV compared to MV [36.5 mmHg (14.0-70.0) vs. 29.0 mmHg (15.0-70.0), P = 0.879]. Other ABG parameters and rates of return of spontaneous circulation and survival were not different.

Conclusions: In ED patients with refractory cardiac arrest, arterial oxygen levels during CPR were comparable between patients ventilated with MV and BV. Mechanical ventilation is at least feasible and safe during CPR in intubated cardiac arrest patients.