Gender-Based Differences in the Biomechanical Behavior of the Thorax During CPR Maneuvers.

In this study, 18 rib cages (8 males and 10 females) were segmented from computer tomography (CT) images. In order to analyze the potential differences in thoracic biomechanics during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a set of numerical experiments was conducted using finite elements (FE). Compression forces were applied at different points on the rib cage. Results indicated that the optimal compression area for both sexes is the sternum at the 5th rib level, requiring the least force to achieve the desired compression depth. Males required greater force than females. Among females, those with lower width/depth ratios (more rounded thoracic shape) required less force compared to those with higher ratios (more oval-shaped thorax).