Coronary imaging and intervention during cardiovascular collapse: use of the LUCAS mechanical CPR device in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

The management of cardiac arrest during coronary angiography and intervention presents substantial challenges. Patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or following resuscitation from cardiac arrest are at greatest risk and may represent a significant portion of patients in some centers. Timely and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with manual chest compressions is the primary mode of support though novel circulatory assist devices may have some role. To this end, the use of mechanical compression devices provides multiple patient- and provider-level benefits. This series provides a description of the use of the LUCAS mechanical CPR device and examples of coronary imaging and intervention during mechanical CPR.