This episode of PEM Currents discusses ECPR (Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), an advanced procedure used in cases of cardiac arrest when traditional CPR fails. ECPR involves using ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) to take over heart and lung functions, offering a last-resort option that is becoming more common in large pediatric hospitals. While ECPR shows promise in improving survival rates, particularly in pediatric patients with conditions like congenital heart disease, it is resource-intensive and carries significant risks. Establishing an ECPR program requires robust infrastructure, multidisciplinary teamwork, and extensive training. The episode highlights the importance of understanding eCPR as a critical therapy for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

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