SOME STUDIES ON EXTERNAL CARDIAC MASSAGE

Water-filled balloons were placed inside the pericardium of cadavers from which the heart had been removed. The volume displaced with each compression was measured during external cardiac massage. Radiographs showed that lateral displacement of the “heart” did not occur. Brachial artery pressure measurements were made and the value of elevation of the legs was noted. Pressures were obtained which were as high as those following cardiac compression by the open method. Appreciable ventilation of the lungs occurred during the application of this technique in cadavers.