Minimizing stomach inflation versus optimizing chest compressions

In a bench model, we evaluated a bag-valve device (Smart Bage((R)) MO) with limited maximum inspiratory gas flow developed to reduce the risk of stomach inflation in an unprotected airway. During simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uninterrupted chest compressions, ventilation with the "disabled" Smart Bage((R)) Mo or an adult self-inflating bag-valve device provided only adequate tidal volumes if inspiratory time was 0.5 s. Ventilation with the "enabled" Smart Bag((R)) MO, even in ventilation windows of 0.5 s, provided inadequate tidal volumes during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation and would result in hypoventilation in a patient.