Oxygenation and ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation utilizing continuous oxygen delivery via a modified pharyngeal-tracheal lumened airway

Use of continuous transtracheal oxygen delivery systems combined with rhythmic chest compressions can provide excellent oxygenation and ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, occasional displacement of the transtracheal catheter results in life-threatening pneumo-mediastinal complications. We investigated using the pharyngeal lumen of a pharyngeal- tracheal lumened airway (PtL) as an alternative delivery system for continuous oxygen flow in 21 large mongrel dogs. Excellent ventilation was possible in anesthetized, apneic, and paralyzed dogs in normal sinus rhythm from the 'bellows' effect of chest compressions. The hypercapnia and respiratory acidemia resulting from 5 min of complete apnea in ten dogs during normal sinus rhythm was readily corrected (p<0.01). In an additional 11 dogs, external chest compressions were performed and oxygen was delivered continuously via the PtL during 20 min of ventricular fibrillation. During this period of cardiac arrest, pH declined (7.38±0.01 vs 7.19±0.02; p<0.01), but PaCO₂ (35±1 vs 38±3 mm Hg) and PaO₂ (67±2 vs 68±3 mm Hg) were not significantly different from prearrest values. Successful resuscitation was achieved in 8 of 11 (73 percent) animals, which is similar to the results in historical controls with endotracheal intubation. No pneumomediastinal complications were seen with use of the PtL. We conclude that using the pharyngeal lumen of the PtL for continuous delivery of oxygen combined with external chest compressions can provide a safe and effective mode of oxygenation and ventilation during cardiac arrest.