Date of Award

Summer 7-26-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (MMSc)

First Advisor

Alexander R. Nelson MD, MHS

Abstract

Cardiac arrest is a sudden, life-threatening emergency that demands rapid and effective intervention. Ultrasound is used during cardiac arrest to guide resuscitation, characterize cardiac rhythm, and possibly identify cardiac arrest etiology. However, it is associated with significant limitations. Transesophageal echocardiography is a type of ultrasound that overcomes the limitations associated with traditional ultrasound and provides unique advantages, including the ability to optimize chest compressions and provide continuous cardiac imaging throughout CPR. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of transesophageal echocardiography during prehospital resuscitation of adults experiencing nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest improves the proportion of sustained return of spontaneous circulation. In this quasi-experimental study, we will recruit emergency physicians to complete a short transesophageal echocardiography training prior to using the device in the field. The study results could support the use of prehospital transesophageal echocardiography, potentially improving resuscitation outcomes in patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Comments

This is an open access thesis.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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