Extrakorporale Reanimation (eCPR)

In recent years, the Department for Emergency Medicine treats an increasing number of patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems. Most of these patients require mechanical circulatory support by means of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a device that temporarily replaces heart and lung function. At our department, ECMO support is most frequently provided because of cardiac arrest (named eCPR) or because of cardiogenic shock.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a treatment option for patients with cardiac arrest when conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is unsuccessful. For eCPR, the placement of the ECMO must be performed rapidly and during ongoing chest compressions. The care for these patients requires a high level of expertise and coordination of an interdisciplinary team from emergency medicine, cardiac surgery, cardiology, radiology, neurology and intensive care medicine. The basis for this cooperation is provided by the certification of the Medical University of Vienna and Vienna General Hospital as "Cardiac Arrest Center".

The ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) is an international organization of different health care providers, researchers, and industry representatives. The ELSO is a supportive and guiding element for education and training, the development of treatment guidelines and research projects. Furthermore, the organization manages the "ELSO Registry", a comprehensive database on ECMO applications. The University Hospital for Emergency Medicine is a registered member of ELSO. This collaboration with other ECMO centers around the globe allows for deeper networking, exchange of expertise and benchmarking.  An advantage that benefits our patients.

ELSO - WEB SITE