Prolonged cardiac arrest: successful resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support can extend the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but prolonged CPR may develop multiple organ failure, and neurologic death is a major complication. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with fulminant myocarditis secondary to H1N1 influenza A infection, in which cardiac arrest was refractory to prolonged conventional CPR. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated 250 minutes after prolonged CPR. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provided cardiopulmonary life support for prolonged CPR, achieving a sustained return of spontaneous circulation, which allowed further treatment and made a good recovery with intact cerebral performance.