Use of continuous transtracheal
oxygen delivery systems combined with rhythmic chest compressions can provide excellent oxygenation and ventilation during
cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, occasional displacement of the transtracheal
catheter results in life-threatening pneumomediastinal complications. We investigated using the pharyngeal lumen of a pharyngeal-tracheal lumened airway (PtL) as an alternative delivery system for continuous
oxygen flow in 21 large mongrel dogs. Excellent ventilation was possible in anesthetized, apneic, and paralyzed dogs in normal sinus rhythm from the "bellows" effect of chest compressions. The
hypercapnia and respiratory acidemia resulting from 5 min of complete
apnea in ten dogs during normal sinus rhythm was readily corrected (p less than 0.01). In an additional 11 dogs, external chest compressions were performed and
oxygen was delivered continuously via the PtL during 20 min of
ventricular fibrillation. During this period of
cardiac arrest, pH declined (7.38 +/- 0.01 vs 7.19 +/- 0.02; p less than 0.01), but PaCO2 (35 +/- 1 vs 38 +/- 3 mm Hg) and PaO2 (67 +/- 2 vs 68 +/- 3 mm Hg) were not significantly different from prearrest values. Successful
resuscitation was achieved in 8 of 11 (73 percent) animals, which is similar to the results in historical controls with endotracheal intubation. No pneumomediastinal complications were seen with use of the PtL. We conclude that using the pharyngeal lumen of the PtL for continuous delivery of
oxygen combined with external chest compressions can provide a safe and effective mode of oxygenation and ventilation during
cardiac arrest.