Supine chest compression: alternative to prone ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 May;32(5):489.e5-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.11.014. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

Prone ventilation is usually used for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. We applied an alternative method to prone position. We described 2 cases of trauma where prone position could not be done. Chest wall compression was performed by 2-kg weight in front of the chest wall bilaterally while the patient was in a supine position. Respiratory mechanics work to improve oxygenation almost as same as the mechanism proposed for prone position without any major adverse effects and serious complications. We suggest a larger randomized study to determine the efficacy and also to find out the optimum weight required to compress the chest.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Heart Massage / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma
  • Prone Position
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy*
  • Supine Position*