Will Automated Compressing Devices Save More Lives in Recalcitrant Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest?

Abstract

We present a 55-year-old male that developed ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in the setting of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction with recalcitrant and persistent ventricular fibrillation arrest that was successfully resuscitated with a good neurological outcome. The persistent chest compressions were performed in our intensive care unit with an automated chest compression system. The patient required defibrillations and nonstop chest compressions which were the key factors for his survival. This is an example we should consider in all our intensive care units. It's time for a paradigm shift in replacing the compressor of a code team with an automated system. The out-of-hospital evidence in acute care is compelling to bring this technology that has been proven crucial in transports from hospital areas, ambulances, helicopters, and ships to the inpatient ICU bedside. In ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (Vt/Vf), the electrical storm created is the perfect example of the need to have the best compressions to provide the best care possible with the best survival and neurological outcomes.