Could raising a patient’s legs during CPR be the key to improving neurological outcomes?  That’s the question Flinders researchers will explore thanks to a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant.

Patients who survive CPR can be left with significant neurological disability due to poor cerebral blood flow during resuscitation.

Flinders Researcher and Intensive Care Unit Consultant Dr Shailesh Bihari will carry out a new pilot study looking at whether a passive leg raise in patients undergoing CPR improves cerebral oxygenation and is effective in reducing neurological issues.

If it’s found that leg raises have improved short and long-term outcomes compared with conventional CPR, this simple strategy could be included in current Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines for CPR.

This research is made possible thanks to a generous supporter and generous donations from the community.

Project title: The effect of passive leg raise (PLR) performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on cerebral blood flow as measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Lead researcher: Dr Shailesh Bihari