ECPR Prague School - 2024

“Refractory cardiac arrest – still a challenge for community”

Dear friends and colleagues,

mechanical cardiac and lung support have attracted a lot of attention in past couple years. Among all refractory clinical conditions, refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (r-OHCA) remains the challenge for the chain of survival. In a global picture, efforts to tackle high mortality in r-OHCA have failed or at least have not attained results we would applaud to.

In past couple years, evidence has been generated in the area of ECPR (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Three RCTs, several systematic reviews, standard and Bayesian analyses and meta-analyses were published. Still, evidence remains controversial, though many centres around the world adopted ECPR to be a state-of-the-art treatment. And, notably, recent AHA guidelines have recognized ECPR as a valuable intervention in refractory arrest.

Moreover, in 2024, finally, the first study using mechanical support (in cardiogenic shock, though:-)) came with positive result! Many commentaries recognized a cardiogenic shock to cardiac arrest continuum and challenges in using mechanical devices in these life-threatening conditions.

Therefore, I dare to invite you to Prague to discuss ECPR and all related issues in detail, thoroughly and comprehensively.
This year, again, a distinguished faculty have accepted the invitation and will guide you through ECPR from A to Z.

Yours,