Can Passive Blood Redistribution to the Thorax Improve the Effectiveness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation? A Physiological Hypothesis Based on Frank-Starling’s Law

Abstract

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), external chest compressions generate an artificial blood flow with limited efficacy. This work proposes that the passive redistribution of the blood volume from the lower extremities to the central axis - by the elevation of legs or devices such as the antishock (mast) trusses - would improve the ventricular filling in diastole and, therefore, would increase the systolic volume generated by each rib custody. This hypothesis relies on Frank- Starling’s law and basic hemodynamic principles. Although these maneuvers are not part of the current CPR protocols, their implementation would be simple and potentially beneficial. It is proposed that clinical or experimental studies evaluate this strategy as an adjuvant in resuscitation.