Effect of two different chest compression techniques on ventilation during neonatal resuscitation

Objective To assess tidal volume (Vt) and minute ventilation (MV) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with two different chest compressions techniques: two-finger (TFT) or two-thumb technique (TTT) in a neonatal model. Methods Vt and MV were continuously measured during consecutive periods of resuscitation in an intubated manikin. Thirty participants performed the two compression techniques in a random order for 2-min periods while performing positive pressure ventilation using a T-piece resuscitator (TPR) or a self-inflating bag (SIB). Results Vt during CPR with TFT was significantly higher than TTT with either TPR: 44.9 +/- 4.3 vs 39.2 +/- 5.4 ml (p < 0.001) or SIB: 39.2 +/- 5.7 vs 35.6 +/- 6.5 ml (p < 0.023). Similarly MV was significantly higher in TFT than TTT with either mode: 1346 +/- 130 vs 1175 +/- 162 ml/min, respectively, with TPR (p < 0.001) and 1177 +/- 170 vs 1069 +/- 196 ml/min with SIB (p < 0.03). Conclusions Chest compressions during CPR using the TFT achieved higher Vt and MV than TTT in this model of neonatal resuscitation.