Keywords
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Advanced life support
Emergency medical services
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Abstract
Objective: To identify what current literature reports regarding the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in situations of cardiac arrest (CA). Methods: This is an integrative review. The search was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, using specific descriptors and limiting the results to the period between 2020 and 2025. A total of 130 articles were identified across both databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies comprised the final sample. Results: Analysis of the studies demonstrated that the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cardiac arrest (CA) settings is associated with higher survival rates and more favorable neurological outcomes, particularly when initiated early and in specialized centers. Venoarterial ECMO showed more consistent benefits in cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest, especially when integrated into structured advanced life support protocols. However, limitations such as high costs, the need for specialized infrastructure, and trained multidisciplinary teams restrict its widespread implementation. Final considerations: ECMO represents a promising therapeutic strategy in the management of refractory cardiac arrest, particularly in institutions with adequate resources and well-defined protocols. Nevertheless, additional randomized clinical trials and access expansion strategies are required to consolidate its role in emergency care settings.
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