2.2. Research on Feedback Devices Based on Physiological Information Data Monitoring in China and Abroad
Simple feedback systems have been shown to improve the effectiveness of chest compression during CPR. However, a limitation of such systems is the lack of personalization for individual patients and a standardized execution. To address this issue, feedback devices utilizing physiological data monitoring are needed. Due to the limitations of the prehospital environment, invasive detection is often difficult.
A study by Lampe et al. at Northwell Health established a time-dependent function correlating carotid blood flow during cardiac arrest resuscitation and response to varying chest compression. By predicting the carotid blood flow generated by subsequent chest compression, the study aimed to optimize CPR parameters in real time, maximizing carotid blood flow
[15][29]. Sebastian et al. evaluated the feasibility of using a machine-controlled closed-loop CPR (MC-CPR) system to optimize coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) during CPR. Their real-time hemodynamic simulations demonstrated that MC-CPR, controlled by a closed-loop machine, significantly outperformed the AHA CPR guidelines in improving coronary perfusion pressure
[16][30].
2.3. Application Status and Effects of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Feedback Devices
CPR feedback devices are widely utilized in CPR training. In studies investigating CPR training, it has been observed that training with a feedback device enhances CPR competency and overall quality more significantly than traditional CPR training methods
[17][35]. Furthermore, the utilization of feedback devices can augment skill acquisition and overall performance in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
[18][36].
From a practical standpoint, the combination of current CPR audio-visual feedback devices and smartphones offers a more accessible feedback tool for emergency situations. By utilizing the data collected through a smartphone’s built-in accelerometer, real-time assessment of compression depth and frequency can be achieved, aligning closely with the actual values. This enables accurate real-time feedback on CPR quality through a dedicated CPR mobile application
[19][38].
2.4. Integration of Feedback Devices with Defibrillator and Related Equipment
Real CPR Help™ is an enhanced functionality integrated into Zoll’s AED Plus, utilizing accelerometer technology within the ZOLL defibrillator electrodes, furnishing real-time feedback concerning the accuracy of CPR compression in terms of depth and frequency. Audio and visual prompts guide the operator through the CPR process.
3. Current Limitations of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Closed-Loop Feedback Devices
To improve the quality and success rate of CPR and provide effective guidance for rescuers, as well as personalize chest compression for cardiac arrest patients, feedback devices for CPR are continuously being developed. These feedback devices have achieved significant results in terms of improving the quality of CPR and increasing the survival rate of cardiac arrest patients. However, some limitations and problems still remain.
The application scenario for these devices is limited, and their reliability is questionable in special environments such as earthquakes, fires, explosions, mine collapses, traffic accidents, uneven support surfaces, soft compressible situations, and patient transport. The measurement results during artificial CPR may not be accurate when using a manual chest compression auditory feedback device, and the reliability of the device is questioned.
The closed-loop feedback mode used in these devices is not intuitive, and its practicality is moderate. The moving parts of the pressure sensor may cause harm to the rescuers, and additional force may be required to perform chest compression due to the obstruction of the device. This increases the fatigue of the rescuers, making it harder for them to provide effective CPR. Due to the feedback device generally providing indications of compression through indicator lights, it takes time for unfamiliar users to learn and understand, which may delay the time of on-site rescue.
Artificial chest compression audio-visual feedback devices primarily provide feedback on the quality of CPR, such as compression rate and depth. However, they do not assess the patient’s physiological response to CPR, presenting a limitation in the scope of their feedback.
The current audio-visual feedback devices on the market are only able to provide feedback on the depth and frequency of the compression, and some products can only provide feedback on the depth. During chest compression, body posture, hand placement, and compression position significantly influence the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, the current audio-visual feedback devices lack the ability to comprehensively assess and provide guidance on these critical aspects. As a result, the effective utilization of such devices requires individuals who have undergone relevant training. Furthermore, these current audio-visual feedback devices are unable to provide personalized guidance based on the unique differences of individual patients.
Simple feedback systems for artificial chest compression can enhance compression effectiveness, ensure AHA cardiopulmonary resuscitation guideline adherence, reduce the risk of chest compression, and achieve the recommended compression depth and frequency. However, these systems have a limitation in adjusting compression parameters according to the patient’s physiological state. The closed-loop feedback in automatic chest compressors offers a viable solution to this issue. These compressors incorporate a real-time monitoring and closed-loop feedback module for physiological parameters, utilizing the feedback from physiological parameters of cardiac arrest cases to assess the effectiveness of chest compression and achieve individualized closed-loop control of automatic chest compression.
4. Equipment Support of CPR Feedback Physiological Parameter Monitoring
4.1. End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Equipment
The infrared method is routinely utilized in clinical settings, primarily due to its main absorption wavelength for CO
2 at 4260 nm. Based on this property, CO
2 concentration can be deduced from its absorption rate. Two modes of application are prevalent for the infrared method: bypass flow and mainstream flow
[20][45].
In mainstream flow mode, the sensor is directly connected to the patient’s tracheal tube connector, becoming an integral part of the artificial airway. The airflow actively traverses the sensor. The key advantages of the mainstream infrared method lie in its swift medical diagnostic response due to the sensor’s direct contact with the airflow.
Infinium Medical has developed the Cleo EtCO
2 Monitor with Vitals, an intuitive device for non-invasively measuring patients’ vital signs, including blood pressure, SpO
2, rapid temperature, and exhaled carbon dioxide. The device supports continuous monitoring over extended periods and is applicable in a variety of settings. Its uses encompass both intubated and non-intubated applications, on-site inspections, bedside monitoring, and more
[21][46].
Masimo’s Emma Capnograph, a portable real-time carbon dioxide analyzer, provides continuous and clear visualizations of carbon dioxide measurements. The device can display EtCO
2 and respiratory rate measurements, along with real-time ETCO
2 waveforms within a timeframe of 15 s
[22][47].
4.2. The Application of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Feedback
End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO
2), serving as an indirect measure of blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is widely employed as a guiding tool in the CPR process
[23][48]. Throughout the course of CPR, ETCO
2 maintains a direct correlation with cardiac output, thus making it a common metric for gauging output during CPR
[24][49].
Existing research suggests a linear relationship between the depth of chest compression and end-expiratory carbon dioxide values. An analysis utilizing mixed-effects models on a sample of 230 subjects revealed a 4.0% increase in ETCO
2 (
p < 0.0001) for each 10 mm augmentation in chest compression depth and a 1.7% increase (
p = 0.02) in ETCO
2 with every 10-compression/min increase in chest compression frequency
[25][50].
5. Conclusions
Modern CPR is a crucial step in basic life support, and to improve the quality of CPR and minimize the risk of injury, real-time and effective CPR feedback is vital. CPR feedback devices can truly improve CPR quality in training and real life. In complex out-of-hospital settings such as accidents, they can also provide effective assistance and improve the efficiency of treating cardiac arrest patients, thus exhibiting a broad scope of applicability. Over time, CPR feedback devices have evolved from simple visual and auditory feedback based on manual compression to personalized feedback from automated CPR machines using real-time physiological monitoring. The latest CPR devices leverage technological advancements to provide increasingly intelligent feedback, incorporating a diverse range of monitoring data with deep learning algorithms to predict blood flow perfusion and support accurate compression.