Arrhythmia and Cardiac Surgery

Biography

Biography: Javier García Reyes

Abstract

This is the case of a 63-year-old patient, who is a plastic surgeon and has a history of aortic valve replacement, hypertension, pacemaker and anticoagulation, who experien- ced cardiac sudden death in the OR. Basic and advanced life support maneuvers were initiated; there was evidence of ventricular fibrillation and the patient was defibrillated 4 times unsuccessfully. Epinephrine, bicarbonate, amiodarone and lidocaine were administered. The patient alternated between ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity and asystole. Resuscitation was maintained throughout the process which lasted one hour and 45 min, including transfer to a third level clinic where the patient was considered to be asystolic. Following an additional discharge and amiodarone, the patient recovered spon- taneous circulation; the vital signs were normalized and the patient remained in the ICU under hemodynamically stable conditions. After 18 h, the patient woke up with no evident neurological damage and remained in the ICU for one month for treatment of the ischemic- reperfusion syndrome. After 20 more days of physical therapy in his hospital room, the patient was discharged with no neurological deficit and a recommendation for home-based rehabilitation. Three months later, the patient is doing perfectly well and leading an active family, social and labor life. This narrative discussion considers some interesting aspects reported by other authors on the topic, based on a bibliography search in Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, and Ovid.