Intra-aortic Balloon Occlusion for Refractory Cardiac Arrest in a Patient with Anterior Myocardial Infarction

Despite recent advances in its management, the outcome of cardiac arrest is often poor despite appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The arteriovenous perfusion gradient achieved during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with the successful return of spontaneous circulation. Continuous balloon occlusion of the descending aorta is an experimental method that can occlude the “unnecessary” part of the circulation, thus diverting generated pressure and blood flow to the heart and brain. In this study, we present a case report of a patient unresponsive to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in whom constant intra-aortic balloon occlusion achieved a return of spontaneous circulation and successful survival.