Resuscitation Cardiopulmonary in Patients with Morbid Obesity: Specific Considerations

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of an obese patient can be a problem even for the most experienced practitioner. Changes in anatomy, metabolism, cardiopulmonary reserve, ventilation, circulation, and pharmacokinetics of medications require special consideration. This article is dedicated to the most important components of the resuscitation of an obese patient, as it concerns performing indirect cardiac massage, defibrillation, ensuring the patency of the upper airways and ventilation, the pharmacokinetics of vasoactive substances. Materials and methods.  The search in the electronic PubMed and others online sources   was carried out using words key. Results and conclusions. Obesity causes significant anatomical and physiological changes that affect CPR. Medical professionals should take into account the particularities of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with morbid obesity in other to increase the effectiveness of resuscitation in these patients.