Open chest cardiac massage offers no benefit over closed chest compressions in patients with traumatic cardiac arrest

Trauma Anesthesiology Perioperative Management Update

Anesthesia for patients with life-threatening injuries is an essential part of post-accident care. Unfortunately, there is variability in trauma anesthesia care and numerous nonstandardized methods of working with patients remain. Uncertainty exists as to when and how best to intubate trauma patients, the use of vasopressors, and the appropriate management of severe traumatic brain injury. Some physicians recommend prehospital rapid sequence intubation, whereas others use bag-mask ventilation at lower pressures with no cricoid pressure and early transport to a trauma center. Overall, the absence of uniformity in trauma anesthesia care underlines the need for continued study and dialogue to define best practices and optimize patient outcomes.

Cardiac arrest in the perioperative period: a consensus guideline for identification, treatment, and prevention from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a rare but potentially life-threatening event with mortality rates of more than 50%. Contributing factors are often known, and the event is recognised rapidly as patients are usually under full monitoring. This guideline covers the perioperative period and is complementary to the European Resuscitation Council guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery jointly nominated a panel of experts to develop guidelines for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of cardiac arrest in the perioperative period. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All searches were restricted to publications from 1980 to 2019 inclusive and to the English, French, Italian and Spanish languages. The authors also contributed individual, independent literature searches.

RESULTS

This guideline contains background information and recommendation for the treatment of cardiac arrest in the operating room environment, and addresses controversial topics such as open chest cardiac massage, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion and resuscitative thoracotomy, pericardiocentesis, needle decompression, and thoracostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful prevention and management of cardiac arrest during anaesthesia and surgery requires anticipation, early recognition, and a clear treatment plan. The ready availability of expert staff and equipment must also be taken into consideration. Success not only depends on medical knowledge, technical skills and a well-organised team using crew resource management, but also on an institutional safety culture embedded in everyday practice through continuous education, training, and multidisciplinary co-operation.

Cardiac arrest in the perioperative period: a consensus guideline for identification, treatment, and prevention from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a rare but potentially life-threatening event with mortality rates of more than 50%. Contributing factors are often known, and the event is recognised rapidly as patients are usually under full monitoring. This guideline covers the perioperative period and is complementary to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery jointly nominated a panel of experts to develop guidelines for the recognition, treatment and prevention of cardiac arrest in the perioperative period. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. All searches were restricted to publications from 1980 to 2019 inclusive and to the English, French, Italian and Spanish languages. The authors also contributed individual, independent literature searches.

RESULTS

This guideline contains background information and recommendation for the treatment of cardiac arrest in the operating room environment, and addresses controversial topics such as open chest cardiac massage (OCCM), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion (REBOA) and resuscitative thoracotomy, pericardiocentesis, needle decompression and thoracostomy.

CONCLUSION

Successful prevention and management of cardiac arrest during anaesthesia and surgery requires anticipation, early recognition and a clear treatment plan. The ready availability of expert staff and equipment must also be taken into consideration. Success not only depends on medical knowledge, technical skills and a well organised team using crew resource management but also on an institutional safety culture embedded in everyday practice through continuous education, training and multidisciplinary co-operation.

Open chest selective aortic arch perfusion vs open cardiac massage as a means of perfusion during in exsanguination cardiac arrest: a comparison of coronary hemodynamics in swine

AIM

To describe and compare the aortic-right atrial pressure (AoP-RAP) gradients and mean coronary perfusion pressures (CPPs) generated during open chest selective aortic arch perfusion (OCSAAP) with those generated during open cardiac massage (OCM) in hypovolemic swine.

METHODS

Ten male Hanford swine utilized in a prior poly-trauma study were included in the study. Animals were rendered hypovolemic via a 30% volume bleed. Upon confirmation of death, animals underwent immediate clamshell thoracotomy and aortic cross-clamping followed by 5 min of OCM. A catheter suitable for OCSAAP was then inserted into the aorta and animals underwent 1 min of OCSAAP at a rate of 10 mL/kg/min. Aortic and right atrial pressures were recorded continuously using solid-state blood pressure catheters. Representative 10-s intervals from each resuscitation method were extracted. Hemodynamic parameters including AoP-RAP gradients and CPPs were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

At baseline, time from death to intervention was significantly shorter for OCM. However, mean CPPs and AoP-RAP gradients were significantly higher in animals undergoing OCSAAP. 98% of OCSAAP segments had a mean CPP > 15, compared to 35% of OCM intervals. While OCM had a significant negative correlation between time to intervention and maximum CPP, this correlation was not significant for OCSAAP.

CONCLUSION

OCSAAP generates favorable and potentially time-resistant pressure gradients when compared to those generated by OCM. Further investigation of the technique of OCSAAP is warranted, as it may have potential utility as a therapy during resuscitative thoracotomy (RT).

Updates in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest

Evaluating and treating traumatic cardiac arrest remains a challenge to the emergency medicine provider. Guidelines have established criteria for patients who can benefit from treatment and resuscitation versus those who will likely not survive. Patient factors that predict survival are penetrating injury, signs of life with emergency medical services or on arrival to the Emergency Department, short length of prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiac motion on ultrasound, pediatric patients, and those with reversible causes including pericardial tamponade and tension pneumothorax. Newer technologies such as resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, selective aortic arch perfusion, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may improve outcomes, but remain primarily investigational.

Open-chest versus closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in trauma patients with signs of life upon hospital arrival: a retrospective multicenter study

Background

The effectiveness and indications of open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OCCPR) have been still debatable. Although current guidelines state that the presence of signs of life (SOL) is an indication for OCCPR, scientific evidence corroborating this recommendation has been scarce. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of OCCPR to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCCPR) in severe trauma patients with SOL upon arrival at the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database, a nationwide trauma registry in the USA, between 2010 and 2016 was conducted. Severe trauma patients who had SOL upon arrival at the hospital and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation within the first 6 h of ED admission were identified. Survival to hospital discharge was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, instrumental variable analysis, and propensity score matching analysis adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 2682 patients (OCCPR 1032; CCCPR 1650) were evaluated; of those 157 patients (15.2%) in the OCCPR group and 193 patients (11.7%) in the CCCPR group survived. OCCPR was significantly associated with higher survival to hospital discharge in both the logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.99 [1.42–2.79], p <  0.001) and the instrumental variable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.16 [1.02–1.31], p = 0.021). In the propensity score matching analysis, 531 matched pairs were generated, and the OCCPR group still showed significantly higher survival at hospital discharge (89 patients [16.8%] in the OCCPR group vs 58 patients [10.9%] in the CCCPR group; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.66 [1.13–2.42], p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Compared to CCCPR, OCCPR was associated with significantly higher survival at hospital discharge in severe trauma patients with SOL upon ED arrival. Further studies to confirm these results and to assess long-term neurologic outcomes are needed.

Open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the most urgent and critical step in the rescue of patients with cardiac arrest. However, only about 10% of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to discharge. Surprisingly, there is growing evidence that open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation is superior to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Meanwhile, The Western Trauma Association and The European Resuscitation Council encouraged thoracotomy in certain circumstances for trauma patients. But whether open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation is superior to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation remains undetermined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize current studies on open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a systematic review, comparing it to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in a meta-analysis.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, EmBase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 2019 investigating the effect of open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation and closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest, without language restrictions. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software. The primary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation. The secondary outcome was survival to discharge.

Results

Seven observational studies were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis involving 8548 patients. No comparative randomized clinical trial was reported in the literature. There was no significant difference in return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge between open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation and closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest patients. The odds ratio (OR) were 0.92 (95%CI 0.36–2.31, P > 0.05) and 0.54 (95%CI 0.17–1.78, P > 0.05) for return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge, respectively. Subgroup analysis of cardiac arrest patients with trauma showed that closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with higher return of spontaneous circulation compared with open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR = 0.59 95%CI 0.37–0.94, P < 0.05). And subgroup analysis of cardiac arrest patients with non-trauma showed that open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with higher ROSC compared with closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR = 3.12 95%CI 1.23–7.91, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, for patients with cardiac arrest, we should implement closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible. However, for cardiac arrest patients with chest trauma who cannot perform closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation, open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be implemented as soon as possible.

Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Proximal Aortic Control in Patients With Severe Hemorrhage and Arrest

Importance

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a percutaneous transfemoral balloon technique used in select centers for resuscitation and temporary hemostasis, often instead of emergency department thoracotomy. The ability to perform aortic occlusion (AO) with an intravascular device allows focused occlusion at the most distal level to perfuse proximal regions while slowing hemorrhage to injured areas.

Objective

To describe what is to date the largest single-institution experience with REBOA in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Use of REBOA at an urban tertiary care facility for severe traumatic hemorrhage, traumatic arrest (AR), or nontraumatic hemorrhage (NTH) was investigated from February 1, 2013, to January 31, 2017, among 90 patients who were not responsive or were transiently responsive to resuscitation measures, or were in arrest, from presumed hemorrhage below the diaphragm. Possible causes were trauma or nontrauma-related hemorrhage. Patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In-hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 90 patients in the study (15 women and 75 men; mean [SD] age, 41.5 [17.4] years), 29 underwent REBOA for severe traumatic hemorrhage, 50 for AR, and 11 for NTH. For the patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage and AR, the median age was 36.2 years (interquartile range, 25.3-55.5 years), mean (SD) admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6 (5), and median Injury Severity Score was 39 (interquartile range, 10-75). The distal thoracic aorta was occluded in 73 patients (81%), and in all patients with AR. A total of 17 patients (19%) had distal abdominal AO. Mean (SD) systolic blood pressure improved in patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage, from 68 (28) mm Hg prior to AO, to 131 (12) mm Hg after AO (P < .001). Percutaneous access was used in 30 patients (33%), including 13 patients with AR (26%), and groin cutdown in 60 patients (67%), including 37 patients with AR (74%). Overall 30-day mortality was 62% (n = 56): 11 (39%) in patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage and 45 (90%) in patients with AR. Of the patients with AR, 29 (58%) had return of spontaneous circulation and 11 of those patients (38%) survived to the operating room. All patients who survived AR gained full neurologic recovery. No aortoiliac injury or limb loss occurred from REBOA use. Eleven patients underwent REBOA for NTH; 7 (64%) were in arrest. Overall in-hospital mortality for patients with NTH was 36% (n = 4). No procedural complications occurred in this group.

Conclusions and Relevance

REBOA is a minimally invasive alternative to emergency department thoracotomy with aortic cross-clamp to temporize noncompressible torso hemorrhage and obtain proximal control in both traumatic and nontraumatic causes of hemorrhage. REBOA can also be used for more targeted AO in the distal aorta for pelvic, junctional, or extremity hemorrhage.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Improves Cardiac Compression Fraction Versus Resuscitative Thoracotomy in Patients in Traumatic Arrest

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is emerging as an alternative to resuscitative thoracotomy for proximal aortic control in select patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage below the diaphragm. The purpose of this study is to compare interruptions in closed chest compression or open chest cardiac massage during REBOA versus resuscitative thoracotomy.

METHODS

From May 2014 to December 2016, patients in arrest who received aortic occlusion with REBOA or resuscitative thoracotomy were included. Total cardiac compression time was defined as the total time that closed chest compression was performed for REBOA patients and the total time that closed chest compression (before resuscitative thoracotomy) and open chest cardiac massage (after thoracotomy) were performed for resuscitative thoracotomy patients. Cardiac compression fraction was defined as the time compressions occurred during the entire resuscitation phase. All resuscitations were captured by multiview, time-stamped videography.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with aortic occlusion after arrest were enrolled: 22 REBOA and 28 resuscitative thoracotomy. Most were men (86%) (median age 30.2 years, interquartile range [IQR] 24.9 to 42.3; median Injury Severity Score 27, IQR 16 to 42; neither differed between groups). The median duration of total cardiac compression time was 945 seconds (IQR 697 to 1,357) for REBOA versus 496 seconds (IQR 375 to 933) for resuscitative thoracotomy. During initial resuscitation, compressions occurred 86.5% of the time (SD 9.7%) during resuscitation with REBOA versus 35.7% of the time (SD 16.4%) in patients receiving resuscitative thoracotomy. Cardiac compression fraction improved after open cross clamp in resuscitative thoracotomy patients to 73.2% of the time (SD 18.0%) but remained significantly less than the same period for REBOA (86.7%; SD 9.4%). Mean cardiac compression fraction for REBOA was significantly improved over that for resuscitative thoracotomy (86.2% [SD 9.1%] versus 55.3 [SD 17.1%]; mean difference 31.0%; 95% confidence interval for difference 22.7% to 39.23%; P<.001). Median pause in resuscitation related to procedural tasks was 0 seconds (IQR 0 to 13) for REBOA and 148 seconds (IQR 118 to 223) in resuscitative thoracotomy.

CONCLUSION

Total duration of interruptions of cardiac compressions is shorter for patients receiving REBOA versus resuscitative thoracotomy before and during resuscitation with aortic occlusion. Markers for perfusion during resuscitation must be examined to understand the effects of cardiac compressions and aortic occlusion on patients in arrest because of hemorrhagic shock.

One-Year Survival and Neurologic Outcomes After Pediatric Open-Chest Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist about neurobehavioral outcomes of children treated with open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Our objective was to describe neurobehavioral outcomes 1 year after arrest among children who received open-chest CPR during in-hospital cardiac arrest and to explore factors associated with 1-year survival and survival with good neurobehavioral outcome.

METHODS

The study is a secondary analysis of the Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest In-Hospital Trial. Fifty-six children who received open-chest CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest were included. Neurobehavioral status was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (VABS-II) at baseline before arrest and 12 months after arrest. Norms for VABS-II are 100 ± 15 points. Outcomes included 12-month survival, 12-month survival with VABS-II decreased by no more than 15 points from baseline, and 12-month survival with VABS-II of 70 or more points.

RESULTS

Of 56 children receiving open-chest CPR, 49 (88%) were after cardiac surgery and 43 (77%) were younger than 1 year. Forty-four children (79%) were cannulated for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during CPR or within 6 hours of return of spontaneous circulation. Thirty-three children (59%) survived to 12 months, 22 (41%) survived to 12 months with VABS-II decreased by no more than 15 points from baseline, and of the children with baseline VABS-II of 70 or more points 23 (51%) survived to 12 months with VABS-II of 70 or more points. On multivariable analyses, use of ECMO, renal replacement therapy, and higher maximum international normalized ratio were independently associated with lower 12-month survival with VABS-II of 70 or more points.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-half of children survived with good neurobehavioral outcome 1 year after open-chest CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest. Use of ECMO and postarrest renal or hepatic dysfunction may be associated with worse neurobehavioral outcomes.

Treatment Effect or Effective Treatment? Cardiac Compression Fraction and End-tidal Carbon Dioxide Are Higher in Patients Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Compared with Resuscitative Thoracotomy and Open-Chest Cardiac Massage

The purpose of this study is to compare end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) during resuscitation of open-chest cardiac massage (OCCM) with aortic cross-clamp (ACC) versus receiving resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) with closed-chest compressions (CCCs). Patients who received REBOA were compared with patients receiving OCCM for traumatic arrest using continuous vital sign monitoring and videography. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in the REBOA group and 18 patients were enrolled in the OCCM group. Of the total patients, 86.3 per cent were male with a mean age of 36.2 ± 13.9 years. Ninety-four percent of patients suffered penetrating trauma in the OCCM group compared with 30.3 per cent of the REBOA group ( P = <0.001). Before aortic occlusion (AO), there was no difference in initial EtCO2 values, but mean, median, peak, and final EtCO2 values were lower in OCCM ( P < 0.005). During CPR after AO, the initial, mean, and median values were higher with REBOA ( P = 0.015, 0.036, and 0.038). The rate of return of spontaneous circulation was higher in REBOA versus OCCM (20/33 [60.1%] vs 5/18 [33.3%]; P = 0.04), and REBOA patients survived to operative intervention more frequently ( P = 0.038). REBOA patients had greater total cardiac compression fraction (CCF) before AO than OCCM (85.3 ± 12.7% vs 35.2 ± 18.6%, P < 0.0001) and after AO (88.3 ± 7.8% vs 71.9 ± 24.4%, P = 0.0052). REBOA patients have higher EtCO2 and cardiac compression fraction before and after AO compared with patients who receive OCCM.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta and Resuscitative Thoracotomy in Select Patients with Hemorrhagic Shock: Early Results from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma's Aortic Occlusion in Resuscitation for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Registry

BACKGROUND

Aortic occlusion is a potentially valuable tool for early resuscitation in patients nearing extremis or in arrest from severe hemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma's Aortic Occlusion in Resuscitation for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery registry identified trauma patients without penetrating thoracic injury undergoing aortic occlusion at the level of the descending thoracic aorta (resuscitative thoracotomy [RT] or zone 1 resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta [REBOA]) in the emergency department (ED). Survival outcomes relative to the timing of CPR need and admission hemodynamic status were examined.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-five patients were included: 81.8% were males, with injury due to penetrating mechanisms in 41.4%; median age was 35.0 years (interquartile range 29 years) and median Injury Severity Score was 34.0 (interquartile range 18). Resuscitative thoracotomy was used in 71%, and zone 1 REBOA in 29%. Overall survival beyond the ED was 50% (RT 44%, REBOA 63%; p = 0.004) and survival to discharge was 5% (RT 2.5%, REBOA 9.6%; p = 0.023). Discharge Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 in 85% of survivors. Prehospital CPR was required in 60% of patients with a survival beyond the ED of 37% and survival to discharge of 3% (all p > 0.05). Patients who did not require any CPR before had a survival beyond the ED of 70% (RT 48%, REBOA 93%; p < 0.001) and survival to discharge of 13% (RT 3.4%, REBOA 22.2%, p = 0.048). If aortic occlusion patients did not require CPR but presented with hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg; 9% [65% RT; 35% REBOA]), they achieved survival beyond the ED in 65% (p = 0.009) and survival to discharge of 15% (RT 0%, REBOA 44%; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, REBOA can confer a survival benefit over RT, particularly in patients not requiring CPR. Considerable additional study is required to definitively recommend REBOA for specific subsets of injured patients.

Time to aortic occlusion: It's all about access

INTRODUCTION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a less invasive method of proximal aortic occlusion compared with resuscitative thoracotomy with aortic cross-clamping (RTACC). This study compared time to aortic occlusion with REBOA and RTACC, both including and excluding time required for common femoral artery (CFA) cannulation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-institution review of REBOA or RTACC performed between February 2013 and January 2016. Time of skin incision to aortic cross-clamp for RTACC, time required for CFA cannulation by percutaneous and open methods, and time from guide-wire insertion to balloon inflation at Zone 1 for REBOA, were obtained from videographic recordings.

RESULTS

Eighteen RTACC and 21 REBOAs were performed. Median (Q1, Q3) time from skin incision to aortic cross-clamping was 317 seconds (227, 551 seconds). Median (Q1, Q3) time from start of arterial access to Zone 1 balloon occlusion was 474 seconds (431, 572 seconds) (vs. RTACC, p = 0.01). All REBOA procedures were performed with the same device. The median time to complete CFA cannulation was 247 seconds (range, 164-343 seconds), with no difference between percutaneous or open procedures (p = 0.07). The median (Q1, Q3) time to aortic occlusion in REBOA once arterial access had been established was 245 seconds (179, 295.5 seconds), which was significantly shorter than RTACC (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Once CFA access is achieved, time to aortic occlusion is faster with REBOA. Time to aortic occlusion is less than the time required to cannulate the CFA either by percutaneous or open approaches, emphasizing the importance of accurate and expedient CFA access. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta may represent a feasible alternative to thoracotomy for aortic occlusion. Time to aortic occlusion will likely decrease with the advent of newer REBOA technology. The rate-limiting portion of REBOA continues to be obtaining CFA access.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level V.

Major Abdominal Trauma: Critical Decisions and New Frontiers in Management

A standardized approach should be used with a patient with abdominal trauma, including primary and secondary surveys, followed by additional diagnostic testing as indicated. Specific factors can make the diagnosis of serious abdominal trauma challenging, particularly in the face of multiple and severe injuries, unknown mechanism of injury, altered mental status, and impending or complete cardiac arrest. Advances in technology in diagnosis and/or treatment with ultrasound, helical computed tomography, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) have significantly advanced trauma care, and are still the focus of current and ongoing investigations.

Reanimating Patients After Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: A Practical Approach Informed by Best Evidence

Resuscitation of traumatic cardiac arrest is typically considered futile. Recent evidence suggests that traumatic cardiac arrest is survivable. In this article key principles in managing traumatic cardiac arrest are discussed, including the importance of rapidly seeking prognostic information, such as signs of life and point-of-care ultrasonography evidence of cardiac contractility, to inform the decision to proceed with resuscitative efforts. In addition, a rationale for deprioritizing chest compressions, steps to quickly reverse dysfunctional ventilation, techniques for temporary control of hemorrhage, and the importance of blood resuscitation are discussed. The best available evidence and the authors' collective experience inform this article.

[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest following trauma]

For decades, survival rates of cardiac arrest following trauma were reported between 0 and 2 %. Since 2005, survival rates have increased with a wide range up to 39 % and good neurological recovery in every second person injured for unknown reasons. Especially in children, high survival rates with good neurologic outcomes are published. Resuscitation following traumatic cardiac arrest differs significantly from nontraumatic causes. Paramount is treatment of reversible causes, which include massive bleeding, hypoxia, tension pneumothorax, and pericardial tamponade. Treatment of reversible causes should be simultaneous. Chest compression is inferior following traumatic cardiac arrest and should never delay treatment of reversible causes of the traumatic cardiac arrest. In massive bleeding, bleeding control has priority. Damage control resuscitation with permissive hypotension, aggressive coagulation therapy, and damage control surgery represent the pillars of initial treatment. Cardiac arrest due to hypoxia should be resolved by airway management and ventilation. Tension pneumothorax should be decompressed by finger thoracostomy, pericardial tamponade by resuscitative thoracotomy. In addition, resuscitative thoracotomy allows direct and indirect bleeding control. Untreated impact brain apnea may rapidly lead to cardiac arrest and requires quick opening of the airway and effective oxygenation. Established algorithms for treatment of cardiac arrest following trauma enable a safe, structured, and effective management.