Successful resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for refractory ventricular fibrillation caused by left main coronary artery occlusion

Refractory ventricular fibrillation with cardiac arrest caused by occlusion of the left main coronary artery may rapidly become fatal. In this report, we describe the case of a 70-year-old male who presented to emergency department with chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in leads aVR and aVL and ST-segment depression in leads v3, v4, v5, v6, 2, 3, and aVF. Occlusion of the left main coronary artery was suspected. While waiting for percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient experienced sudden refractory ventricular fibrillation with cardiac arrest. In the emergency department, resuscitation of a patient with refractory ventricular fibrillation caused by occlusion of the left main coronary artery and ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a clinical challenge. Resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was initiated approximately 35 min after prolonged conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency coronary angiography showed almost total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention with a stent restored coronary perfusion. The patient was discharged on day 6 without serious sequelae or neurological deficits.