Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
04:55

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest

Published on: May 26, 2023

Unexpected survival after a prolonged extra-hospital refractory cardiac arrest in a one-year-old child

Anne Lise Mary1, Julie Starck1, Erik Hervieux2

  • 1Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.

Perfusion
|June 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory cardiac arrest after drowning offers a chance for survival. This case highlights ECMO

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a last resort for refractory cardiac arrest.
  • Prognosis of ECMO for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially in children, remains debated.
  • Accidental drowning can lead to prolonged refractory cardiac arrest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of prolonged out-of-hospital refractory cardiac arrest after intentional drowning managed with ECMO.
  • To discuss the feasibility and outcomes of ECMO-CPR in remote locations.
  • To support the consideration of ECMO in drowning-related refractory cardiac arrest.

Main Methods:

  • Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO initiation after 3.5 hours of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Transition from VA ECMO to veno-venous (VV) ECMO on day three.
  • ECMO weaning on day nine.
  • Brain MRI for neurological assessment.
  • 3-year clinical follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Successful ECMO support initiated after prolonged CPR for drowning.
  • VA ECMO transitioned to VV ECMO, with successful weaning.
  • Brain MRI revealed right frontoparietal ischemia and mild hemorrhage.
  • Long-term follow-up showed mild motor delay and left lower limb paresis.

Conclusions:

  • ECMO-CPR can be a viable option for refractory cardiac arrest following drowning, even in resource-limited settings.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering ECMO in severe drowning cases.
  • Early consideration of ECMO may improve outcomes in pediatric refractory cardiac arrest.

Keywords:
E-CPRECMOaccidental hypothermiacardiac arrestchildrendrowning

More Related Videos

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult01:21

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...