CPR, defibrillation, endotracheal intubation, and cannulation of peripheral and central veins are common procedures during resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients
Although not obvious immediately, complications from these procedures can develop and manifest several hours after successful return of spontaneous circulation
Not surprisingly, the most common complications are rib and sternal fractures
Additional complications to recall include:
tracheal mucosal lesions (almost 20%)
retropharyngeal bleeding
liver/spleen injuries
rhabdomyolysis (post-defibrillation)
air embolism (central venous access)
gastric rupture (very rare; due to continuous air insufflation into the stomach)
References
Buschmann CT, Tsokos M. Frequent and rare complications of resuscitation attempts. Intensive Care Med 2009;35:397-404.
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