Objective: To explore a feasible method to replicate the rat cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) model by mechanical chest compression.
Method: Adult male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n = 6) and a model group (n = 10). After intraperitoneal injection of 10% chloral hydrate, tracheal intubation and left femoral artery intubation were performed. Under the condition of monitoring the electrocardiogram and arterial blood pressure, the model group used ventilator support and self-made animal chest compressions for CPR, and received tracheal obstruction (TO) and cardiac arrest (CA) for 2 minutes.
Result: In the model group, spontaneous respiratory arrest and arrhythmia occurred shortly after TO. A cardiac arrest occurred within 4-5 minutes, the systolic blood pressure was lower than 40 mmHg, the pulse pressure disappeared, and CA appeared. After 2 minutes of CPR, 8 rats recovered spontaneous circulation (recovery of spontaneous circulation, ROSC), transient reperfusion arrhythmia occurred, and 6 rats recovered consciousness for 24 and survived for several hours. Blood biochemical analysis showed that the rats in the model group suffered from electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, kidney disease and elevated myocardial enzyme spectrum. Pathological section observation showed that the rats in the model group had rhabdomyolysis, no glomerular reflux, neuronal loss, pulmonary congestion and other organ damage.
Conclusion: Mechanical chest compressions can provide CA rats with the basic cardiac output required for CPR, and can successfully establish a rat CPR model.