Closed-chest massage: an effective resuscitative procedure for the maintenance of the circulation during cardiac arrest.

Reports of clinical benefits of closed-chest cardiac resuscitation refute recently published studies contesting its effectiveness.Our experimental investigations demonstrate that closed-chest massage is able to achieve adequate cerebral circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest.Clinical studies indicate that a significant number of coronary patients can be saved if a monitor system is used to warn of the onset of ventricular fibrillation or arrest. To be successful, closed-chest resuscitation must be instituted within the four-minute limit after onset of cardiac arrest. When ventricular fibrillation occurs, electrical countershock is usually obligatory. Cardiac pacemaking is a specific necessity for patients with ventricular arrest.