Cardiovascular Critical Care II
xi.
The use of extracorporeal CPR is emerging as a therapy for those who fail conventional
CPR. The current data seems promising in benefiting neurologic outcomes but is limited by
bias and quality (Circulation 2019;140:e881-e894; Circulation 2024;149:e254-73). Current
recommendation is that extracorporeal CPR may be considered for selected patients as rescue
therapy when conventional CPR efforts are failing in settings in which it can be successfully
implemented by skilled providers.
xii.
Partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2), coronary perfusion pressure (aortic diastolic
pressure minus right atrial diastolic pressure), arterial relaxation pressure, regional cerebral
oxygenation and central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2) may correlate with cardiac output
and myocardial blood flow during CPR. Threshold values have been reported at which ROSC
is rarely achieved, and an abrupt increase in any of these variables is a sensitive indicator of
Variable
ROSC Rarely Achieved
PETCO2
< 10 mm Hg
Coronary perfusion pressure
< 15β20 mm Hg
Arterial relaxation (diastolic) pressure
< 20β40 mm Hg
Regional cerebral oxygenation
< 25%
Scvo2
< 30%
Patient Case
A.C., a 50-year-old man with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disorder and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, was admitted for shortness of breath, palpitations, and presumed exacerbation of his lung disease.
On hospital admission day 4, A.C. has a witnessed cardiac arrest on the family medicine unit. The emergency
response team of which you are part is called, and when you arrive, the bedside nurse has already begun
chest compressions. Which insight would be best shared regarding chest compressions for A.C.?
the duration of CPR.
diac output and deliver oxygen.
should be avoided.
placements can interrupt chest compressions.
A - Airway
To place an artificial airway in patients without an advanced airway, use the head-tilt, chin-
lift technique if patients have no evidence of head or neck trauma and the jaw thrust alone if
Breathsβ following).