There is minimal evidence to guide feline basic life support (BLS). Recommendations published in the 2012 RECOVER guidelines are extrapolated from other species. Given anatomical and compliance differences and higher resting cat heart rates, optimizing chest compression rates and depths to maximize perfusion is critical. We will also establish a novel FPCM for veterinary CPR research

We will investigate optimal chest compression rates and depths for feline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by measuring aortic blood pressure (ABP), central venous pressure (CVP), coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CePP) in a novel feline perfused cadaver model (FPCM).

The objectives of this study are: (1) develop a FPCM for measuring CoPP and CePP during chest compressions, and (2) to determine the optimal rate and depth of external chest compressions during CPR in cats to maximize CoPP and CePP. We hypothesize that a compression depth of 1/3 the width of the chest directly over the ventricles at a rate of 120 compression/minute, as currently recommended will optimize CoPP and CePP.