Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as an Effective Therapeutic Support for Refractory Cardiac Arrest in the Setting of Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cardiac arrest is the most serious event among the complications associated with spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia reduces the release of catecholamines and impairs neuroendocrine response following cardiac arrest, which contributes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) more difficult. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be a bridge to provide a more effective and durable mechanical solution under this extremely critical condition. This study reports a 50-year-old man who was scheduled to undergo surgical great saphenous vein varices under spinal anesthesia. A sudden cardiac arrest occurred after spinal anesthesia. Standard CPR was performed and large doses of vascular drugs are administered, but the effect of resuscitation was still poor. We fastly initiated VA-ECMO to provide cardiopulmonary support for this refractory cardiac arrest. Fortunately, the patient was successfully resuscitated with complete recovery. In summary, standard CPR might more difficult during spinal block anesthesia. Quick-started VA-ECMO is a potential option under this situation, which protects the patient from further harm from repeated prolonged CPR, refractory hypotension and deteriorated desaturation, and therefore benefit for patient in this critical condition.