Der Anaesthesist
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Various animals models and several different methods are used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) research. The animals used most frequently are dogs and pigs, but in each species thorax configurations, which might be an important factor in the mechanism of blood flow during CPR, are at great variance. The influence of anesthetics on cardiopulmonary and cerebral functions during and following resuscitation are largely unknown, and accordingly there is great variance in the techniques employed by individual researchers. ⋯ Thorax compressions are characterized by frequency, direction (sagittal, transversal), technique (mechanical, manual), relationship of time between compression and relaxation (50:50, 40:60), and depth of compression (power used, esophageal pressure, arterial blood pressure). Effects of CPR techniques are demonstrated during CPR by cardiovascular parameters. In addition to recording of blood pressure and blood flow, examination of regional perfusion rates using radioactive microsphere techniques is common. 24-h surveillance and extensive neurological tests are carried out during recovery following CPR.