Computer simulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Based on recent experiments attributing blood flow in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to intra-thoracic pressure variations a computer study of the complete cardiovascular system with an arrested heart is presented. The model is based on a lumped parametric description of the vascular elements subjected to external pressure variations. The blood flow, which is generated in the system, is found to be within the reported experimental findings in similar conditions, and is highly sensitive to valving mechanisms within the heart and the large veins. Optimal conditions for CPR were searched mathematically and found to be consistent with known experimental data. Mechanisms of blood flow in CPR are discussed. The above model thus offers a tool to understand the various mechanisms involved in CPR and the relative importance of different physiological parameters, and may help in the design of an optimal CPR mode.
D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003201:Computers; D003971:Diastole; D004285:Dogs; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000503:physiopathology; D008433:Mathematics; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D012151:Resuscitation; D013599:Systole