It has been reported that transthoracic electrical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) generates coronary perfusion pressures (CPP) similar to manual chest compressions (MCC). We hypothesized that intracardiac ECPR produces similar CPP.
Methods: ECPR pulse train protocols were applied for 20 seconds in a porcine model following 10 seconds of ventricular fibrillation (VF), using a defibrillator housing electrode and a right ventricular coil (IC-ECPR). Each protocol consisted of 200-ms electrical pulse trains applied at a rate of 100 pulse trains/min. The protocols were grouped in skeletal-based versus cardiac-based stimulation measurements. CPP was recorded and compared to historical MCC values generated by a similar experimental design. CPP > 15 mm Hg at 30 seconds of VF following the application of an IC-ECPR protocol was defined as successful.
Results: Mean CPP for all intracardiac ECPR pulse train protocols at 30 seconds of VF was 14.8 +/- 3.8 mm Hg (n = 39). Mean CPP in seven successful skeletal-based IC-ECPR protocols was 19.4 +/- 3.2 mm Hg, and mean CPP in 10 successful cardiac-based IC-ECPR protocols was 17.4 +/- 2.1 mm Hg. Reported CPP for 15 MCC experiments at 30 seconds of VF was 22.9 +/- 9.4 mm Hg (P = 0.35 compared to skeletal-based IC-ECPR, P = 0.08 compared to cardiac-based IC-ECPR).
Conclusions: Intracardiac applied electrical CPR produced observable skeletal muscle contractions, measurable pressure pulses, and coronary perfusion pressures similar to MCC during a brief episode of untreated VF.