Can a Heart-Lung machine in an ambulance save more cardiac arrest victims?

NCT ID NCT07155772

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether starting a heart-lung machine (ECMO) at the scene of a cardiac arrest, instead of waiting until arrival at the hospital, can improve survival and brain function. Researchers will enroll 20 adults aged 18-70 who suffer a cardiac arrest that does not respond to standard CPR. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and reduces the time the heart and brain go without blood flow.

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 machine that pumps and oxygenates blood outside the body

What this could lead to

If this works, it could show that starting ECMO before reaching the hospital saves more lives and reduces brain damage after cardiac arrest.

What could go wrong

This is a very small early feasibility study with only 20 people. The procedure is complex and risky, and success in this setting may not translate to broader use.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiac arrest

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo

    RECRUITING

    Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••