Abstract
Recently, in animal experiments, it has been reported that CPB can effect reperfusion and assist in circulation, thereby enhancing survival and neurological recovery rates after prolonged cardiac arrest.
Over the past 3 years, resuscitation of 16 patients of CPR-resistant cardiac arrest have been performed, using stand-by CPB. The time from cardiac arrest to admission ranged from 15 min to 30 min, and the time from admission to the start of CPB ranged from 19 min to 70 min.
In 7 of 14 patients (50%), neurological state was improved. In 13 (81%), spontaneous circulation was restored. Only 4 of them, however, were successfully weaned from CPB. In total, 2 patients were revived by the resuscitation, and one of them recovered with no neurological deficits in spite of a-40 min CPR-resistant cardiac arrest.
In conclusion, there are many advantages and usefullness of CPB in patients of CPR-resistant cardiac arrest. With the use of CPB, cerebral and coronary reperfusion can be optimized, blood temperature can be controlled promptly, and various agents (ex. drugs) can be delivered safety and accurately for the prevention and amelioration of postischemic cerebral injury.
