Almost all patients with refractory cardiac arrest, who are primarily stabilized under ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by transcutaneous implantation of a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (va-ECMO for eCPR) develop post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). PCAS is characterised by cytokine storm resulting in vasodilation and membrane leakage, which is poorly controlled and often fatal. Case reports and data from the investigators' single-center registry indicate that cytokine adsorption with the CytoSorb removal column can be safely added to va-ECMO, but its efficacy and safety have not been examined systematically. This pilot study will assign all comers undergoing eCPR to va-ECMO with or without cytokine adsorber in a 1:1 fashion. This will ensure comparability and allow analysing clinical endpoints, but is limited by sample size (according to their experience the investigators expect approximately 20 cases per year). The investigators will however be able to generate important data about safety, secondary endpoints such as Interleukin-6-removal or vasopressor use and low-power data about efficacy concerning the primary endpoint 30-day survival.
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survival after 30 days
Timeframe: 30 days