Il massaggiatore meccanico cardiaco nel percorso “Best Perfusion” della USL Toscana Sud Est. Studio retrospettivo nella centrale operativa 118 di Siena-Grosseto [The mechanical cardiac massager in the “Best Perfusion” path of the “Toscana Sud Est” Health Agency. A retrospective study in the 118 operations center of Siena-Grosseto]

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary massage (CPR) is a basic procedure for rescuing a patient in cardiac arrest. However, in several situations, manual CPR is not of the highest quality. Therefore, mechanical devices for external chest compressions have been developed which, because they are not susceptible to fatigue, could overcome some of the limitations of manual CPR. One such system is the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS), currently in use at USL “Toscana Sud Est” Health Agency and governed by the “Best Perfusion” Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathway. Objective: Examine the effects of the mechanical device for chest compressions in the early treatment of cardiovascular arrest. Evaluate shortterm (CPR outcomes) and long-term (discharge outcomes) patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 89 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events occurring between January 2018 and October 2020 was performed. Biographical data, the location of the event, clinical data, the outcome of resuscitation, and the outcome at discharge were recorded. Records were provided by the 118 (emergency hotline) Siena-Grosseto Central Office. The study was preceded by a review of the literature on mechanical compression devices for CPR. Result: A retrospective analysis of 89 out-of-hospital cardiovascular arrests occurring between January 2018 and October 2020 was performed. Biographical data, the location of the event, clinical data, the outcome of resuscitation and the outcome at discharge were recorded. Records were provided by the 118 Siena-Grosseto Central Office. The study was preceded by a review of the literature on mechanical compression devices for CPR. Conclusions: Although the sample examined was small and the data available were not complete, in some respects, LUCAS was useful in the reality investigated. However, there remains the need to conduct further studies for a more precise evaluation of the effectiveness of the instrument. Keywords: cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, LUCAS