Resuscitation by direct heart massage in the history of surgery and anesthesia of Bjelovar hospital

This historical review presents cases of direct heart massage in patients with intraoperative cardiac arrest performed at Department of Surgery, Bjelovar General Hospital. Out of five cases recorded in the 1960-1970 period, resuscitation proved successful in two patients, but one patients living normal life free from any subsequent complications. The patient critical general condition, comorbidities and anesthesiology incidents as the possible causes of cardiac arrest are discussed, and the staffing and logistic problems encountered in a small-town hospital are presented.