[Mechanical cardiac massage].

Continuous delivery of high-quality chest compressions is the most important and difficult part of resuscitation. Two automatic mechanical chest compression devices - LUCAS and Autopulse - have been implemented in Denmark in order to optimize the circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. In spite of some practical benefits, improved haemodynamics in animal models, and a possible increase in short-term survival, none of the devices improved the long-term survival or neurological outcome in patients with cardiac arrest. Future randomized trials are crucial.