Medical Blogs

When a person’s heart suddenly stops beating, it is called cardiac arrest—a life-threatening emergency where every second counts. In most cases, immediate CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the use of a defibrillator (a device that gives an electric shock to restart the heart) are crucial. However, sometimes, even these life-saving steps are not enough.

This is where a breakthrough treatment, called ECPR (Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), is changing the future of cardiac arrest survival.

What is ECPR?

ECPR is an advanced life-support system that provides oxygen and blood circulation to a patient when the heart and lungs are not working. It is done using a special machine called ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), which acts as an artificial heart and lung outside the body.

If a person does not respond to regular CPR, doctors can quickly insert tubes into major blood vessels and connect them to the ECMO machine. This machine pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, keeping vital organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart alive while doctors try to fix the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Why is ECPR Important?
    •    Better Survival Chances: Studies show that ECPR can significantly improve survival rates in certain patients, especially those who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital.
    •    Protects the Brain: Lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest can cause brain damage. ECPR helps deliver oxygen to the brain, reducing the risk of permanent injury.
    •    Gives Doctors More Time: With ECPR, doctors can work on treating the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest, such as a blocked artery or a severe infection.

Who Can Get ECPR?

ECPR is usually considered for younger patients with a treatable cause of cardiac arrest, such as a heart attack or a blood clot in the lungs. However, it is not suitable for every patient, and doctors decide based on several factors, including how quickly the treatment can be started.

Challenges of ECPR

While ECPR is a game-changer, it is not available in all hospitals due to:
    •    The need for specialized equipment and trained medical teams
    •    The high cost of the procedure
    •    The importance of starting treatment within minutes for the best results

Despite these challenges, many hospitals are working on expanding ECMO programs and training more healthcare professionals to offer ECPR to patients in need.

How Can the Public Help?
    1.    Learn CPR: Early CPR can keep the brain and heart alive until advanced medical help arrives.
    2.    Use AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators): These are devices found in public places like malls, airports, and offices that can restart a person’s heart with an electric shock.
    3.    Call Emergency Services Immediately: If someone collapses and is unresponsive, call for help and start CPR right away.

The Future of Cardiac Arrest Treatment

As technology advances, ECPR and ECMO are expected to become more widely available, improving survival rates and reducing long-term complications. Some countries are even developing mobile ECMO teams that bring the machine to the patient, just like an ambulance!

While ECPR is not a solution for everyone, it is a big step forward in the fight against cardiac arrest. By increasing awareness, improving access, and training more healthcare professionals, we can help save more lives in the future.

Every second counts—let’s spread the word about ECPR and make a difference!