Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Utilizing the Modified T-Maze to Assess Functional Memory Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest
07:02

Utilizing the Modified T-Maze to Assess Functional Memory Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest

Published on: January 5, 2018

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: what cost to cheat death?

K H Lee1, D C Angus, N S Abramson

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

Critical Care Medicine
|December 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes vary widely, influenced by patient factors and treatment. While CPR can be life-saving, its widespread application is very expensive, with high costs per life saved or quality-adjusted life-year.

Area of Science:

  • Health Economics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are highly variable.
  • Factors influencing CPR success include patient condition, cardiac rhythm, and timeliness of intervention.
  • Cost-analysis of CPR programs is complex due to resource variation and patient-specific outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review CPR outcomes, influencing factors, associated costs, and cost-analysis applications.
  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CPR programs.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature and ongoing research.
  • MEDLINE keyword searches for CPR and cost-analysis relevance.
  • Extraction of applicable data from English-language publications.

Main Results:

  • Cost-effectiveness estimates for CPR programs range from $344,314 to $966,759 per life saved.
  • Quality-adjusted life-year costs range from $191,286 to $537,088.
  • CPR outcomes range from full recovery to 100% mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Appropriate CPR is recommended, but its broad implementation is costly.
  • Patient-specific factors significantly impact CPR cost-effectiveness.
  • Further research is needed to optimize CPR resource allocation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Pre-clinical Model of Cardiac Donation after Circulatory Death06:26

Pre-clinical Model of Cardiac Donation after Circulatory Death

Published on: August 2, 2019

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease06:16

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease

Published on: August 9, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
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 II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
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...
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 V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...