Heart-Lung machine at the scene boosts cardiac arrest survival

NCT ID NCT04620070

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Erasmus Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether starting a portable heart-lung machine (ECPR) right at the scene of a cardiac arrest could save more lives and protect brain function. It included 221 adults aged 18-50 with witnessed cardiac arrest that didn't respond to standard CPR. The goal was to see if on-scene ECPR leads to better survival and less brain damage compared to hospital-based ECPR or no ECPR.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) - a portable heart-lung machine started at the scene
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could increase survival and reduce brain damage for people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to all patients. The procedure is complex and carries risks like bleeding or infection. It only helps a specific group of patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiac arrest Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIAC ARREST EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam, Netherlands
ErasmusMC

Rotterdam, 3015GD, Netherlands
Radboud

Nijmegen, Netherlands
UMCG

Groningen, Netherlands

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