Complications of Resuscitation

• CPR, defibrillation, endotracheal intubation, and cannulation of peripheral and central veins are common procedures during resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients
• Although not obvious immediately, complications from these procedures can develop and manifest several hours after successful return of spontaneous circulation
• Not surprisingly, the most common complications are rib and sternal fractures
• Additional complications to recall include:
  • tracheal mucosal lesions (almost 20%)
  • retropharyngeal bleeding
  • liver/spleen injuries
  • rhabdomyolysis (post-defibrillation)
  • air embolism (central venous access)
  • gastric rupture (very rare; due to continuous air insufflation into the stomach)

References

Buschmann CT, Tsokos M. Frequent and rare complications of resuscitation attempts. Intensive Care Med 2009;35:397-404.