UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Cardiology

Title: perimortem C-section in cardiac arrest

Keywords: C-section, perimortem, cardiac arrest (PubMed Search)

Posted: 3/28/2011 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 3/28/2024)
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Aortocaval compression occurs often when gestational age is > 20 weeks. This compression significantly compromises the chances of maternal survival in cardiac arrest. Because it is often difficult to know the exact gestational age, it is commonly recommended that emergency C-section in maternal cardiac arrest be performed when the fundus extends above the level of the umbilicus.

References

Vanden Hoek TL, et al. Part 12: Cardiac arrest in special situations: 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulumonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation 2010;122[suppl 3]:S829-S861.