Cardiopulmonary bypass and the survival of patients in cardiac arrest

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether cardiopulmonary bypass improves survival and function after cardiac arrest resistant to ACLS. Altogether 387 papers were found using the reported search, of which nine presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.