Intraaortic balloon occlusion during refractory cardiac arrest. A case report

Despite recent advances in its management, the outcome from cardiac arrest is often poor despite appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) achieved during CPR is associated with successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Continuous balloon occlusion of the descending aorta is an experimental method that can occlude the 'unnecessary' part of the circulation, thus diverting generated pressure and blood flow to the heart and brain. We present a case report with a patient unresponsive to standard CPR in which constant intraaortic balloon occlusion achieved ROSC and successful survival.