Alternative Resuscitation Protocol for Special Population

Authors

Aaron Morton, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cardithoracic Surgery Critical Care

Advisor

Dr. Elyse Watkins

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to inform readers of the presence and need for alternative resuscitation protocol and review the evidence surrounding post-cardiac surgery patients.

Method: A PubMed search was completed reviewing evidence behind specific protocols. Search terms included post-cardiac surgery arrest management, epinephrine in cardiac surgery, emergent resternotomy, and internal cardiac massage. Additionally, MeSH terms were searched including heart arrest, resuscitation, cardiac surgery complications.

Results: Significant evidence supporting utilization of alternative protocol and interventions were well supported within the body of published literature.

Conclusion: An alternative evidenced-based resuscitation protocol for post-cardiac surgery patients who suffer cardiac arrest is well supported. The protocol which deviates from Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) with alternation in medication dosing, emphasis on electrical therapy via epicardial pacing, defibrillation and cardioversion, as well as emergent resternotomy reduces the failure to rescue rate. Further adoption of protocol and team-based training will be necessary to provide the best opportunity for survival in this special population.

Keywords: post-operative cardiac surgery arrest, resternotomy, cardiac surgery complications.

Recommended Citation

Morton A. Alternative Resuscitation Protocol for Special Population. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(4).