ECPR-the evolving role in cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) describes the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to restore blood circulation in patients during refractory cardiac arrest. So far, ECPR is not the standard of care but has become part of clinical routine for select patients in many places. As ECPR is a highly invasive support option associated with considerable risks for fatal complications, premature use in patients who may have return of spontaneous circulation should be avoided. However, the selection criteria for ECPR are still evolving, as the search for evidence is ongoing. Recent randomized controlled trials of different ECPR strategies support its use within integrated systems built around highly specialized ECPR centers. The ECPR caseload is an important predictor of patient survival, and continuous training is key for evidence-based quality of care. Typical complications after ECPR include vascular injury or malposition of cannulas, thrombotic complications, hemolysis, and bleeding events that require early detection and interdisciplinary management. When provided by highly specialized and well-trained expert teams in dedicated ECPR centers within integrated pre-hospital and intra-hospital emergency care systems, ECPR may improve survival in select patients with refractory cardiac arrest. This article is freely available.