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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo
RECRUITINGPavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy