Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest

When conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) cannot restore spontaneous circulation, the initiation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during refractory cardiac arrest—known as extracorporeal CPR (ECPR)—might restore circulation and adequate tissue oxygenation. ECPR could substantially improve survival with favourable functional recovery. However, the complexity and time-sensitive nature of the intervention, high costs, resource demands, considerable risks, and complications restrict the availability of ECPR. Patient age and comorbidities, timely and effective CCPR, and time-to-ECPR are major contributors to the outcome of patients. The primary goal of ECPR is full recovery of the patient, but in some cases, transition to a long-term ventricular assist device or heart transplantation can be additional options for survival. In patients diagnosed with brain death or, according to local regulation, in those with irreversible post-anoxic brain damage, organ donation is possible after ECPR. Ongoing research aims to assess the efficacy of ECPR versus continued CCPR and uncover key prognostic indicators.