Challenges in Implementing an ECPR Program for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can treat cardiac arrest refractory to conventional therapy. Many institutions are interested in developing their own ECPR program. However, there are challenges in logistics and implementation. Hypothesis: Development of an ECPR team and identification of UPMC Presbyterian as a receiving center will increase recognition of potential ECPR candidates. Methods: We developed an infrastructure of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Medic Command, and an in-hospital ECPR team. We identified inclusion criteria for patients with an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) likely to have a reversible arrest etiology and developed them into a simple checklist. These criteria were: witnessed arrest with bystander CPR, shockable rhythm, and ages 18 to 60. We trained local EMS crews to screen patients and review the checklist with a Command Physician prior to transport to our hospital. Results: From October 2015 to March 31 st 2018, there were 1165 dispatches for OHCA, of which 664 (57%) were treated and transported to the hospital and 120 to our institution. Of these, five patients underwent ECPR. Of the remaining cases, 64 (53%) had nonshockable rhythms, 48 (40%) were unwitnessed arrests, 50 (42%) were over age 60 and the remaining 20 (17%) had no documented reasons for exclusion. Prehospital CPR duration was 26 [IQR 25-40] min. Four patients (80%) underwent mechanical CPR with LUCAS device. Time from arrest to arrive on scene was 5 [IQR 4-6] min and time call MD command was 13 [IQR 7-21] min. Time to transport was 20 [IQR 19-21] min. Time from arrest to initiation of ECMO was 63 [IQR 59-69] min. Conclusions: ECPR is a relatively infrequent occurrence. Implementation challenges include prompt identification of patients with reversible OHCA causes, preferential transport to an ECPR capable facility and changing the focus of EMS in these select patients from a “stay and play” to a “load and go” mentality.