Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
Published on: May 26, 2023
ECMO for cardiac rescue in a neonate with accidental amiodarone overdose
Nikolaus Alexander Haas1, Christine Wegendt, Rainer Schäffler
1Dept. of Congenital Heart Defects Heart and Diabetes Center, North-Rhine Westphalia, Georgstrasse 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. nikhaas@hdz-nrw.de
Abstract:
Intravenous (IV) amiodarone hydrochloride has proven to be a very effective antiarrhythmic treatment option for a variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias in adults and paediatric patients. Amiodarone is known to have significant side effects and these especially include profound hypotension in animals and adults, vasodilatation, negative inotropic effects, and significant bradycardia especially when administered intravenously. Special caution is warranted in patients with decreased contractility and end-stage heart failure. We present a case of accidental amiodarone overdose in a newborn treated for atrial flutter resulting in cardiovascular collapse. The patient could be rescued by rapid initiation of VA-ECMO treatment. The patient survived without neurological damage.
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