Heimlich Maneuver Complications: A Systematic Review
Journal Title: Eurasian Journal of Emergency Medicine - Year 2019, Vol 18, Issue 3
Abstract
Aim: Life-threatening complications have been reported due to the widespread use of the Heimlich maneuver. As the extent of associated injuries has not been well established, a systematic review of the complications of the Heimlich maneuver was conducted. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified through literature search in MEDLINE, Web of Science and SCOPUS up to August, 2018 with keywords related to “Heimlich maneuver’’ and “Abdominal thrust”. The inclusion criteria were defined as case reports reporting complications due to the Heimlich maneuver and case reports with documented injuries. Original studies, reviews, conference proceedings, commentaries, and case reports with incomplete data were excluded. The CARE (CAse REport) guideline was used to assess the quality of case reports. Results: Forty-eight eligible studies involving 51 cases were included. Patient median age was 62 years and 35% of them were female. Dyspnea and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms. Gastric rupture was more likely to be associated with hospital admission, but mortality was most associated with aorta injury. Twenty-five percent of cases with organ damage survived. Conclusion: According to case reports, the Heimlich maneuver is associated with serious complications especially in elderly patients. Life threatening injuries associated with the Heimlich maneuver suggest that this procedure should be substituted with a safer procedure such as chest thrusts or chest compressions. Investigation of an alternative procedure to remove foreign body airway obstruction is recommended in further studies.
Authors and Affiliations
Mohsen Ebrahimi, Amir Mirhaghi
Keywords
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