PORTABLE CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS - RESUSCITATION FROM PROLONGED ICE-WATER SUBMERSION AND ASYSTOLE

Accidental hypothermia associated with near-drowning and cardiac arres t has a high mortality, especially in the adult. We report the resusci tation of a 31-year-old man who suffered extended ice-water submersion , severe hypothermia (23 degrees C), and prolonged (greater than or eq ual to 78 minutes) cardiac asystole. A modified portable cardiopulmona ry bypass system and femoral-femoral cannulation in the Emergency Depa rtment permitted the rapid institution of core rewarming, oxygenation, and controlled reperfusion, with a successful outcome. Rapid initiati on of cardiopulmonary bypass outside the operating room can be an init ial treatment option in this unique clinical situation.