What is the proper technique for performing left uterine displacement (LUD) on a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest?

The proper technique for performing left uterine displacement (LUD) involves positioning yourself on the patient's left side and then moving the uterus to the left and upward. This maneuver is critical in a pregnant patient experiencing cardiac arrest because it helps to relieve pressure from the inferior vena cava and improves venous return to the heart. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, it can compress major blood vessels when the patient is in a supine position, potentially leading to a decrease in cardiac output and blood flow to both the mother and fetus.

By shifting the uterus to the left, the LUD technique helps ensure that blood circulation is optimized, thereby improving the chances of effective resuscitation for the mother and ensuring that oxygen continues to reach the fetus, if applicable. This approach is rooted in the anatomical understanding of how the uterus affects the circulatory system during pregnancy and is critical during advanced life support efforts in such cases.