Q: 48 year old male is brought to ED after V. fib. cardiac arrest. Cardiology wants to take patient to Cath lab. What are the recommendations regarding therapeutic hypothermia?


Answer: Therapeutic hypothermia should not be delayed particularly in clear cut cases of V.fib cardiac arrest and should be initiated in the emergency department. Cardiology interventions can be done and patients can continue to be cooled during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). As well, any medication necessary for primary cardiac condition like aspirin, antiplatelet compounds or even thrombolytics can be used.