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A review of ECMO for cardiac arrest

Tyler E Klee1, Karl B Kern1,2

  • 1University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States.

Resuscitation Plus
|July 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a promising therapy for cardiac arrest. This review explores ECPR

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiac arrest presents a significant public health challenge with high mortality rates.
  • Numerous underlying causes contribute to cardiac arrest, necessitating advanced treatment strategies.
  • Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an emerging mechanical device for cardiac arrest management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios.
  • To summarize the current progress and utilization of ECPR for refractory cardiac arrest.
  • To discuss the expected outcomes associated with ECPR therapy.

Main Methods:

  • This is a narrative review.
  • Literature search on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).
  • Synthesis of existing research on ECPR for cardiac arrest.

Main Results:

  • Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly used for refractory cardiac arrest.
  • There is limited randomized controlled trial data on ECPR, with one published trial.
  • Significant advancements have been made in the implementation of ECPR.

Conclusions:

  • ECPR represents a significant advancement in the treatment of cardiac arrest.
  • Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to fully establish ECPR's efficacy.
  • ECPR offers a potential therapeutic option for improving outcomes in cardiac arrest patients.

Keywords:
COVID-19Cardiac arrestECMOECPRExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitationExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation

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