Transesophageal Echocardiography in Pre-hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients; TAPCAP

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). It explores the feasibility and effectiveness of TEE compared to traditional methods, focusing on its ability to provide high-quality cardiac images during CPR and identify reversible causes of cardiac arrest. The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted over three years, involving emergency medical teams trained in TEE use, with the goal of improving emergency care and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients. Participants are divided into two groups: one group will receive TEE to confirm optimal chest compression positioning while using a mechanical chest compression device, and the other group will receive standard mechanical chest compressions without TEE guidance. The TEE procedure is performed after airway establishment and during mechanical chest compressions using a LUCAS device. The study includes a preliminary phase assessing feasibility with 60 patients and a randomized controlled phase involving 186 patients to compare outcomes between groups. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for various outcomes including the feasibility of TEE use in pre-hospital care, rates and timing of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), neurological recovery, and end-tidal carbon dioxide levels after hospital arrival. Data collection includes patient demographics, CPR parameters, emergency response times, and TEE imaging results. The study also includes safety monitoring and follows patients up to 30 days or until death, with neurological outcomes assessed up to six months after discharge.

Application of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Pre-hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients