| abstract |
A method to reduce brain injury and brain swelling includes performing active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an individual in a supine position. The individual's head, shoulders, and heart are elevated relative to the individual's lower body. The head is elevated to a height of between about 20 cm and 30 cm above the horizontal plane and the heart is elevated to a height of between about 3 cm and 10 cm above the horizontal plane. Chest compressions are performed on the individual and actively decompressing the individual's chest while the individual's head, shoulders, and heart are elevated. Intrathoracic pressure of the individual is regulated using an intrathoracic pressure regulation device both while the individual is in the supine position and while the individual's head, shoulders, and heart are elevated relative to the lower body, thereby reducing brain edema during CPR. |