Aortic-Based Therapy for Cardiac Arrest

• Published in: Annals of emergency medicine 1996-05, Vol.27 (5), p.563-568
• Main Author: Paradis, Norman A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Animals; Aorta - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Blood Pressure; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Models, Animal; Emergencies; Emergency and intensive cardiocirculatory care. Cardiogenic shock. Coronary intensive care; Heart Arrest - physiopathology; Heart Arrest - therapy; Humans; Infusions, Intra-Arterial - methods; Intensive care medicine; Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping - methods; Medical sciences; Treatment Failure
• ISSN: 0196-0644; 1097-6760
• DOI: 10.1016/S0196-0644(96)70158-0

After the failure of electrical countershock, the successful treatment of cardiac arrest is a function of raising aortic pressure so as to improve vital organ perfusion. Pharmacologic pressor agents have until recently been the most direct means of increasing aortic pressure. We have now begun to reevaluate direct aortic techniques including occlusion, infusion, counterpulsation, and combinations of these. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the aorta can be accessed quickly and reliably even under emergency conditions. Initial laboratory studies indicate that some nonpharmacologic aortic therapies hold promise as adjuncts to external chest compression, or even as stand-alone therapies. Considerable research will be needed to identify the most effective approach before clinical trials can be considered. [Paradis NA: Aortic-based therapy for cardiac arrest. Ann Emerg Med May 1996;27:563-568.]