Multidisciplinary Management of the Post-Cardiac Arrest Patient

Abstract

Cardiac arrest afflicts more than 300,000 persons annually in North America alone. Improving outcomes after cardiac arrest requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to postresuscitation intensive care and subsequent recovery. This article reviews components of injury within the post-cardiac arrest syndrome, the salient features of brain-oriented intensive care, best practices in neurologic prognostication, and a rational approach to emergency revascularization and hemodynamic support.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Cardiogenic shock; Emergency revascularization; Mechanical circulatory support; Neurologic prognostication; Post cardiac arrest; Post–cardiac arrest syndrome; Targeted temperature management.