Percutaneous coronary intervention during cardiac arrest and ongoing chest compressions

Abstract

Prolonged cardiac arrest in the cath lab is associated with very high mortality rates. Use of manual chest compressions have, until recently, been the only rapid response available to circulate the patient in such scenarios. The recent introduction of mechanical chest compression devices offers a new alternative that may perform better than manual chest compressions, especially during a continued interventional procedure. © Touch Briefings 2011.