Abstract
Fifty-three patients were observed prospectively for the development of complications resulting from 147 intracardiac injections (ICIs) received during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Although pericardial effusion was noted in six of 17 echocardiograms and a hemopericardium found in eight of 28 autopsies, cardiac tamponade was not observed. A pneumothorax developed in one patient. None of the autopsies disclosed coronary artery or ventricular lacerations. Percutaneous puncture of the heart during CPR seldom results in serious complications. When other sites are not readily available, ICIs are safe and valid for the administration of emergency medication.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1110-1111 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association |
Volume | 244 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 5 1980 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine