Mechanical chest compressions improve rate of return of spontaneous circulation and allow for initiation of percutaneous circulatory support during cardiac arrest in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

Manual mastery vs. mechanized magic: current opinions on manual vs. mechanical chest compressions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mechanical chest compression devices are increasingly deployed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We discuss the data supporting the use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest and provide an opinion about the future of the technology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple randomized trials investigating the use of mechanical chest compression devices for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have not demonstrated improved outcomes. There is little prospective evidence to support the use of mechanical chest compression devices in other settings. Data from observational studies do not support the routine use of mechanical chest compression devices for in-hospital cardiac arrest, but there may be a role for mechanical chest compressions for cardiac arrest in procedural areas and cardiac arrest prior to cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

SUMMARY

Mechanical chest compression devices offer a solution to some of the human limiting factors of resuscitation, but have failed to demonstrate meaningful improvement in outcomes from cardiac arrest. Routine use of mechanical chest compression devices during cardiac arrest is not supported by evidence.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Post Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide; therefore, preventing death and improving patient outcomes are a priority. Increasing numbers of patients are surviving hospital admissions after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). An OHCA has a poor prognosis, and myocardial infarctions (MIs) are the most common cause; hence, the use of emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an important tool in trying to improve survival. This narrative review explores the role of PCI in OHCA management; understanding angiography findings in OHCA patients offers critical insights into underlying coronary artery disease burden, informing the necessity for PCI. Also, looking at specific subgroups, like females, is essential for equitable intervention access and outcome optimization. Understanding the role of support devices such as Impella and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which show promise in enhancing outcomes by providing hemodynamic support during PCI and improved overall survival, is linked to better neurological outcomes, highlighting the significance of timely PCI and comprehensive post-PCI care.

Manual versus automatic chest compression devices for cardiopulmonary resuscitation under zero gravity (The MACCC - 0G STUDY)

INTRODUCTION

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in microgravity requires specific methods to counteract weightlessness. Automatic chest compression devices (ACCDs) could improve CPR in microgravity. We aimed to compare ACCDs versus manual CPR in microgravity simulated through parabolic flights.

METHODS

This prospective, open, controlled study compared 3 ACCDs (LUCAS 3©, AUTOPULSE©, EASYPULSE©) to manual CPR during the 66th CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) parabolic flights campaign onboard the Novespace Air Zero-G A310 aircraft. Chest compression depths and rates were monitored by a Laerdal© Resusci-Ann-QCPR manikin.

RESULTS

The LUCAS 3© device had a median compression depth of 53.0 [53.0-54.0] mm, significantly higher than the EASYPULSE©, AUTOPULSE©, and Manual CPR (Handstand method), measured at 29.0 [26.0-32.0] mm, 29.0 [27.5-30.7] mm and 34.5 [29.6-43.3] mm, respectively (p value < 0.001). Compression rates were 101 [101-101], 100 [100-100] and 80 [80-80] compressions per minute (cpm) for the LUCAS 3©, EASYPULSE©, and AUTOPULSE©, respectively. Manual CPR provided a significantly higher compression rate with 115 [109-123] cpm (p value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Only LUCAS 3© provided effective CPR according to international guidelines. ACCDs should implement microgravity CPR algorithms.

Efficacy of radial artery cannulation in treatment of cardiac arrest: A case report

RATIONALE

Timely treatment and recovery of cardiac arrest in out-of-hospital settings present significant challenges. This report describes a novel method of integrating advanced monitoring techniques such as radial artery cannulation in the treatment of an 85-year-old male patient who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient, an 85-year-old man, experienced sudden cardiac arrest at home around 4:10 pm on November 22, 2023, characterized by immediate loss of consciousness and absence of pulse, and no response when called by name, necessitating urgent medical intervention.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with OHCA by the emergency doctor, which was further confirmed by the absence of spontaneous circulation and respiratory failure.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ventilator-assisted ventilation, internal jugular venous catheterization, medical treatment, mechanical CPR, and supplemented by radial artery cannulation for invasive blood pressure monitoring. This technique was pivotal for real-time hemodynamic assessment.

OUTCOMES

The invasive monitoring facilitated the early detection of the return of spontaneous circulation, allowing for the timely cessation of mechanical CPR. Subsequent treatment in the intensive care unit was optimized based on continuous arterial pressure readings, enhancing the stabilization of the patient's condition.

LESSONS

This case underscores the significant role of radial artery cannulation for invasive blood pressure monitoring in improving clinical outcomes for patients experiencing OHCA. Integrating radial artery cannulation with other advanced monitoring techniques aids in the early detection of the return of spontaneous circulation and optimizes subsequent intensive care treatment.

Physiology-Guided Resuscitation: Monitoring and Augmenting Perfusion during Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with cardiopulmonary arrest, there have been multiple trials aimed at better monitoring and augmenting coronary, cerebral, and systemic perfusion. This article aims to elucidate these interventions, first by detailing the physiology of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the available tools for managing cardiopulmonary arrest, followed by an in-depth examination of the newest advances in the monitoring and delivery of advanced cardiac life support.

Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in "hostile" environments: Using automated compression devices to minimize the rescuers' danger

Mechanical automated compression devices are being used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation instead of manual, "hands-on", rescuer-delivered chest compressions. The -theoretical- advantages include high-quality non-stop compressions, thus freeing the rescuer performing the compressions and additionally the ability of the rescuer to stand reasonably away from a potentially "hazardous" victim, or from hazardous and/or difficult resuscitation conditions. Such circumstances involve cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, especially directly under the fluoroscopy panel, where radiation is well known to cause detrimental effects to the rescuer, and CPR during/after land or air transportation of cardiac arrest victims. Lastly, CPR in a coronavirus disease 2019 patient/ward, where the danger of contamination and further serious illness of the health provider is very existent. The scope of this review is to review and present literature and current guidelines regarding the use of mechanical compressions in these "hostile" and dangerous settings, while comparing them to manual compressions.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults and children: A review of literature, published guidelines and pediatric single-center program building experience

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an adjunct supportive therapy to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) employing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in the setting of refractory cardiac arrest. Its use has seen a significant increase in the past decade, providing hope for good functional recovery to patients with cardiac arrest refractory to conventional resuscitation maneuvers. This review paper aims to summarize key findings from the ECPR literature available to date as well as the recommendations for ECPR set forth by leading national and international resuscitation societies. Additionally, we describe the successful pediatric ECPR program at Texas Children's Hospital, highlighting the logistical, technical and educational features of the program.

A novel strategy sequentially linking mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation optimizes prognosis of refractory cardiac arrest: an illustrative case series

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), also known as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), has shown encouraging results in refractory cardiac arrest (RCA) resuscitation. However, its therapeutic benefits are linked to instant and uninterrupted chest compression (CC), besides early implementation. Mechanical CC can overcome the shortcomings of conventional manual CC, including fatigue and labor consumption, and ensure adequate blood perfusion. A strategy sequentially linking mechanical CPR with ECPR may earn extra favorable outcomes.

Case series

We present a four-case series with ages ranging from 8 to 94 years who presented with prolonged absences of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after CA associated with acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) and myocardial infarction (MI). All the cases received VA-ECMO (ROTAFLOW, Maquet) assisted ECPR, with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or continuous renal replacement treatment (CRRT) appended if persistently low mean blood pressure (MAP) or ischemic kidney injury occurred. All patients have successfully weaned off ECMO and the assistant life support devices with complete neurological recovery. Three patients were discharged, except the 94-year-old patient who died of irreversible sepsis 20 days after ECMO weaning-off. These encouraging results will hopefully lead to more consideration of this lifesaving therapy model that sequentially integrates mechanical CPR with ECPR to rescue RCA related to reversible cardiac causes.

Conclusions

This successful case series should lead to more consideration of an integrated lifesaving strategy sequentially linking mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation with ECPR, as an extra favorable prognosis of refractory cardiac arrest related to this approach can be achieved.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00711-1.

The role of automated compression devices in out-of- and in- hospital cardiac arrest. Can we spare rescuers’ hands?

Research regarding the use of mechanical compressions in the setting of a cardiac arrest, either outside of or inside the hospital environment has produced mixed results. The debate whether they can replace manual compressions still remains. The aim of this review is to present current literature contemplating the application of mechanical compressions in both settings, data comparing them to manual compressions as well as current guidelines regarding their implementation in everyday clinical use. Currently, their implementation in the resuscitation protocol seems to benefit the victims of an in-hospital cardiac arrest rather than the victims that sustain a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

5-10% of ST-elevated myocardial infarctions (STEMI) present with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Although this subgroup of patients carries the highest in-hospital mortality among the STEMI population, it is the least likely to undergo coronary angiography and revascularization. Due to the concomitant neurologic injury, patients with OHCA STEMI require prolonged hospitalization and adjustments to standard MI management. This review systematically assesses the course of patients with OHCA STEMI from development of the arrest to hospital discharge, assesses the limiting factors for their treatment access, and presents the evidence-based optimal intervention strategy for this high-risk MI population.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an emerging concept in cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Recent research has documented a significant improvement in favorable outcomes, notable survival to discharge, and neurologically intact survival.

OBJECTIVES

The present study undertakes a scoping review to summarize the available evidence by assessing the use of ECPR, compared with no ECPR or the standard of care, for adult patients who sustain cardiac arrest in any setting, in studies which record survival and neurologic outcomes.

METHODS

This review followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Four online databases were used to identify papers published from database inception to July 12, 2020. We selected 23 observational studies from Asia, Europe, and North America that used survival to discharge or neurologically intact survival as a primary or secondary endpoint variable in patients with cardiac arrest refractory to standard treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-three observational studies were included in the review. Eleven studies were of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, 7 studies were of in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 5 studies included mixed populations. Ten studies reported long-term favorable neurological outcomes (ie, Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 - 2 at 3 months [n = 3], 6 months [n = 3], and 1 year [n = 4]), of which only 4 had statistical significance at 5% significance levels. Current knowledge is mostly drawn from single-center observations, with most of the evidence coming from case series and cohort studies, hence is prone to publication bias. No randomized control trials were included.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review highlights the need for high-quality studies to increase the level of evidence and reduce knowledge gaps to change the paradigm of care for patients with shock-refractory cardiac arrest.

[CME: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation]

CME: Mechanical Assist Devices in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Abstract. Early high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest is the most effective measure to improve the outcome. With the aim of improving the quality of resuscitation and replacing the need of manual compression, various mechanical assist devices have been developed and are used in the clinical practice. When should they be used, whether do they lead to better outcomes and what injuries are they associated with? These questions have been examined in several studies and the following review will provide an overview.

Long-term neurologically intact survival after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been used as extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) to support further resuscitation efforts in patients with cardiac arrest, yet its clinical effectiveness remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This study reviews the role of ECPR in contemporary resuscitation care compared to no ECPR and/or standard care, e.g. conventional CPR, and quantitatively summarize the rates of long-term neurologically intact survival after adult in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

We searched the following databases on January 31 st, 2020: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. We followed PRISMA guidelines and used PICO format to summarize the research questions. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) for each outcome of interest were calculated. Quality of evidence was evaluated according to GRADE guidelines.

RESULTS

Six cohort studies were included, totaling 1750 patients. Of these, 530 (30.3%) received the intervention, and 91 (17.2%) survived with long-term neurologically intact survival. ECPR compared to no ECPR is likely associated with improved long-term neurologically intact survival after cardiac arrest in any setting (risk ratio [RR] 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.06-4.69; p < 0.00001) (GRADE: Very low quality). Similar results were found for long-term neurologically intact survival after IHCA (RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.74-5.94; p < 0.0002) (GRADE: Very low quality) and OHCA (RR 3.11, 95% CI 1.50-6.47; p < 0.002) (GRADE: Very low quality). Long-term time frames for neurologically intact survival (three months to two years) were combined into a single category, defined a priori as a Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1 or 2.

CONCLUSIONS

VA-ECMO used as ECPR is likely associated with improved long-term neurologically intact survival after cardiac arrest. Future evidence from randomized trials is very likely to have an important impact on the estimated effect of this intervention and will further define optimal clinical practice. Review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020171945.

2019 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation has initiated a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation science. This is the third annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. It addresses the most recent published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Task Force science experts. This summary addresses the role of cardiac arrest centers and dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the role of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults and children, vasopressors in adults, advanced airway interventions in adults and children, targeted temperature management in children after cardiac arrest, initial oxygen concentration during resuscitation of newborns, and interventions for presyncope by first aid providers. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the certainty of the evidence on the basis of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence to Decision Framework Highlights sections. The task forces also listed priority knowledge gaps for further research.

2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: Use of Advanced Airways, Vasopressors, and Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation During Cardiac Arrest: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

The fundamentals of cardiac resuscitation include the immediate provision of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation combined with rapid defibrillation (as appropriate). These mainstays of therapy set the groundwork for other possible interventions such as medications, advanced airways, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and post-cardiac arrest care, including targeted temperature management, cardiorespiratory support, and percutaneous coronary intervention. Since 2015, an increased number of studies have been published evaluating some of these interventions, requiring a reassessment of their use and impact on survival from cardiac arrest. This 2019 focused update to the American Heart Association advanced cardiovascular life support guidelines summarizes the most recent published evidence for and recommendations on the use of advanced airways, vasopressors, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation during cardiac arrest. It includes revised recommendations for all 3 areas, including the choice of advanced airway devices and strategies during cardiac arrest (eg, bag-mask ventilation, supraglottic airway, or endotracheal intubation), the training and retraining required, the administration of standard-dose epinephrine, and the decisions involved in the application of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its potential impact on cardiac arrest survival.

In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Effective Transition from an ICU- to CCU-Led Resuscitation Team

Objectives

(1) To examine the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) in a large unselected patient population who underwent coronary angiography at a single tertiary academic center and (2) to evaluate a transitional change in which the cardiologist is positioned as the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) leader in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) at our local tertiary care institution.

Background

IHCA is a major public health concern with increased patient morbidity and mortality. A proportion of all IHCAs occurs in the CCL. Although in-hospital resuscitation teams are often led by an Intensive Care Unit- (ICU-) trained physician and house staff, little is known on the role of a cardiologist in this setting.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2016, a single-center retrospective cohort study was performed examining 63 adult patients (70 ± 10 years, 60% males) who suffered from a cardiac arrest in the CCL. The ICU-led IHCAs included 19 patients, and the Coronary Care Unit- (CCU-) led IHCAs included 44 patients.

Results

Acute coronary syndrome accounted for more than 50% of cardiac arrests in the CCL. Pulseless electrical activity was the most common rhythm requiring chest compression, and cardiogenic shock most frequently initiated a code blue response. No significant differences were observed between the ICU-led and CCU-led cardiac arrests in terms of hospital length of stay and 1-year survival rate.

Conclusion

In the evolving field of Critical Care Cardiology, the transition from an ICU-led to a CCU-lead code blue team in the CCL setting may lead to similar short-term and long-term outcomes.

Mechanical chest compressions for cardiac arrest in the cath-lab: when is it enough and who should go to extracorporeal cardio pulmonary resuscitation?

BACKGROUND

Treating patients in cardiac arrest (CA) with mechanical chest compressions (MCC) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is now routine in many coronary catheterization laboratories (cath-lab) and more aggressive treatment modalities, including extracorporeal CPR are becoming more common. The cath-lab setting enables monitoring of vital physiological parameters and other clinical factors that can potentially guide the resuscitation effort. This retrospective analysis attempts to identify such factors associated with ROSC and survival.

METHODS

In thirty-five patients of which background data, drugs used during the resuscitation and the intervention, PCI result, post ROSC-treatment and physiologic data collected during CPR were compared for prediction of ROSC and survival.

RESULTS

Eighteen (51%) patients obtained ROSC and 9 (26%) patients survived with good neurological outcome. There was no difference between groups in regards of background data. Patients arriving in the cath-lab with ongoing resuscitation efforts had lower ROSC rate (22% vs 53%; p = 0.086) and no survivors (0% vs 50%, p = 0.001). CPR time also differentiated resuscitation outcomes (ROSC: 18 min vs No ROSC: 50 min; p = 0.007 and Survivors: 10 min vs No Survivors: 45 min; p = 0.001). Higher arterial diastolic blood pressure was associated with ROSC: 30 mmHg vs No ROSC: 19 mmHg; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Aortic diastolic pressure during CPR is the most predictive physiological parameter of resuscitation success. Ongoing CPR upon arrival at the cath-lab and continued MCC beyond 10-20 min in the cath-lab were both predictive of poor outcomes. These factors can potentially guide decisions regarding escalation and termination of resuscitation efforts.

The Evolving Role of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory in the Management of Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Coronary artery disease is prevalent in different causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), especially in individuals presenting with shockable rhythms of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT). The purpose of this report is to review the known prevalence and potential importance of coronary artery disease in patients with OHCA and to describe the emerging paradigm of treatment with advanced perfusion/reperfusion techniques and their potential benefits on the basis of available evidence. Although randomized clinical trials are planned or ongoing, current scientific evidence rests principally on observational case series with their potential confounding selection bias. Among patients resuscitated from VF/pVT OHCA with ST-segment elevation on their postresuscitation ECG, the prevalence of coronary artery disease has been shown to be 70% to 85%. More than 90% of these patients have had successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Conversely, among patients resuscitated from VF/pVT OHCA without ST-segment elevation on their postresuscitation ECG, the prevalence of coronary artery disease has been shown to be 25% to 50%. For these patients, early access to the cardiac catheterization laboratory is associated with a 10% to 15% absolute higher functionally favorable survival rate compared with more conservative approaches of late or no access to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. In patients with VF/pVT OHCA refractory to standard treatment, a new treatment paradigm is also emerging that uses venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to facilitate return of normal perfusion and to support further resuscitation efforts, including coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. The burden of coronary artery disease is high in this patient population, presumably causative in most patients. The strategy of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, coronary angiography, and percutaneous coronary intervention has resulted in functionally favorable survival rates ranging from 9% to 45% in observational studies in this patient population. Patients with VF/pVT should be considered at the highest severity in the continuum of acute coronary syndromes. These patients have a significant burden of coronary artery disease and acute coronary thrombotic events. Evidence from randomized trials will further define optimal clinical practice.

A Case of Neurologically Intact Survival after 2 hours and 50 minutes of Euthermic Cardiac Arrest Treated with Mechanical CPR and Intra-arrest Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We report a case of a 56 year old male in ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest for a total of 2 hours and 50 minutes who was diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during a brief 10 min period of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while receiving mechanical chest compressions for ongoing VF. Our case demonstrates the potential for neurologically intact survival in VF cardiac arrest patients despite prolonged periods of VF who are treated with mechanical CPR and intra-arrest PCI.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest: A systematic review

AIM

To assess the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), compared with manual or mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in adults and children.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. We searched Medline, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews for randomized clinical trials and observational studies published before May 22, 2018. The population included adult and pediatric patients with OHCA and IHCA of any origin. Two investigators reviewed studies for relevance, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool. Outcomes included short-term and long-term survival and favorable neurological outcome.

RESULTS

We included 25 observational studies, of which 15 studies were in adult OHCA, 7 studies were in adult IHCA, and 3 studies were in pediatric IHCA. There were no studies in pediatric OHCA. No randomized trials were included. Results from individual studies were largely inconsistent, although several studies in adult and pediatric IHCA were in favor of ECPR. The risk of bias for individual studies was overall assessed to be critical, with confounding being the primary source of bias. The overall quality of evidence was assessed to be very low. Heterogeneity across studies precluded any meaningful meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

There is inconclusive evidence to either support or refute the use of ECPR for OHCA and IHCA in adults and children. The quality of evidence across studies is very low.

Cardiac Arrest in the Catheterization Laboratory

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest in the Catheterization Lab is a rare and unique scenario that is often logistically challenging. It often has dire prognosis especially in patients suffering from severe pre-existing illnesses (high risk patient) such as acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock, or patients undergoing high risk procedures. As the number of complex interventional procedures increases, cardiac arrest in the cath lab will become more common and optimal management of this scenario is critical for both the patient and operator.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we will discuss the special challenges during the resuscitation efforts in cath lab, especially with tradition chest compression. We will discuss the alternative options including mechanical compression devices and Invasive Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices. Finally, we will offer management suggestions on selecting the appropriate circulatory support device based on clinical and anatomic risks.

An insidious and deadly complication of mechanical chest compressions in a patient on anticoagulation and the subtle echocardiographic findings that enabled timely diagnosis

Good-quality chest compressions improve outcomes in cardiac arrest. While manual chest compressions are suboptimal in this regard, the LUCAS device has been shown to improve the effectiveness of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The complication rate associated with mechanical CPR, however, has not been adequately studied. Limited evidence suggests no difference in internal injury between manual and mechanical CPR. We report the case of a patient on anticoagulation who developed a mediastinal hematoma post mechanical CPR and on whom subtle findings on initial echocardiography could have alerted the clinician to this complication early during the clinical course. This case further suggests that there may be special populations of patients in whom we may need to be more vigilant in the use of mechanical CPR.