Evaluation of an Esophageal Doppler Probe in Pseudo EMD

Electromechanical dissociation (EMD) is defined as the inability of the heart to generate anycardiac output despite the presence of ECG complexes. Several authors have defined a subset of EMDtermed pseudo-EMD. This has been defined as the presence of cardiac contractile function withoutpalpable peripheral pulses. Some authors have suggested that patients in pseudo-EMD are more easilyresuscitated than patients in true EMD. Currently, an inexpensive, portable, minimally invasive deviceto detect pseudo-EMD does not exist. Our preliminary studies using a Doppler flat flow probe taped toa esophageal tube demonstrated the consistent detection of pseudo-EMD. This study will construct aPETE-Doppler (Portable Emergency Trans Esophageal Doppler) device. We will assemble, test andevaluate this prototype on fully instrumental dogs, with respect to its accuracy in the detection ofpseudo-EMD model. This canine model currently involves a short period of pseudo-EMD. Post-mortemexamination of the esophagus will be performed to detect any traumatic damage caused by the deviceduring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The long term objective of this research is to provide anaffordable, portable, minimally invasive instrument that will be useful in rapidly identifying patients inpseudo-EMD.