The impact of injuries at the time of cardiac arrest on the prognosis of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an effective treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and refractory ventricular fibrillation. Despite the success of this intervention, trauma is a potential complication that may adversely impact patient outcomes. This study assessed the incidence and impact of trauma in patients who underwent ECPR. We hypothesized that all trauma incurred until the conclusion of ECPR would have a significant negative effect on survival and neurological outcomes.