EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION-ASSISTED CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION FOR AN IN-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST PATIENT

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used as a resuscitative tool for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest patients in the emergency department. It provides a better outcome for an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patient, even if the patient has received prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We present the case of a 44-year-old female IHCA patient who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of chest pain and cold sweating. Cardiac arrest occurred approximately 20 minutes after she arrived at the emergency department. Spontaneous heart beating returned immediately after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the patient was then supported by quickly applying ECMO. Thereafter, primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed by a cardiologist. The patient received ECMO support for a total of 12 days. There were no major complications noted during the hospital stay. In conclusion, the use of ECMO to support cardiopulmonary function during cardiopulmonary resuscitation can improve the chance of survival in cases of IHCA that have better central nervous function after being weaned from ECMO. Shorter cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration and less organ damage may predict a better outcome in these patients. [International Journal of Gerontology 2010; 4(2): 99-103]