Rapid Prehospital ACcess to ECPR in Prague

Launched by GENERAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, PRAGUE · Jan 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Rapid Prehospital ACcess to ECPR in Prague" trial is studying a new approach to help patients who have experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops beating) and have not responded to traditional resuscitation methods. This study focuses on a technique called extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), which can provide support to the heart and lungs outside the body. The goal is to see if this method can improve survival rates for patients who are still in critical condition after standard resuscitation efforts fail.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 18 and 70 years old and must have had a witnessed cardiac arrest where standard resuscitation attempts, including at least three shocks to the heart, were unsuccessful. It is also important that a specialized ECPR team can respond quickly to the emergency call—within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, individuals with specific conditions, like those who were not witnessed during their arrest or have severe pre-existing health issues, cannot take part in this study. If eligible, participants can expect to receive advanced care immediately, which may increase their chances of recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Estimated age 18-70 years
• • Refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (3 unsuccessful defibrillations and/or at least 10 minutes of resuscitation in case of pulseless electrical activity)
• • Witnessed cardiac arrest
• • ECPR team available
• • ECPR team alert within 20 minutes from the emergency call
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unwitnessed cardiac arrest
• • Asystole
• • ETCO2 less than 10 mmHg upon ECPR team arrival
• • Known limitations of intensive care (Do Not Resuscitate - DNR status)
• • Known severe neurological impairment prior to cardiac arrest (mRS 4-6)
• • Suspected or known pregnancy