Saving a patient who experienced cardiac arrest twice.

SKĐS - A 77-year-old woman suddenly felt weak, gasped for breath, then suffered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma at home, seemingly beyond recovery. Thanks to a hospital-wide emergency alert and rapid coronary intervention, doctors at Quang Nam Central General Hospital saved the patient's life.

Báo Sức khỏe Đời sống•18/11/2025

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung (77 years old, residing in Nui Thanh commune, Da Nang city) was brought to the Emergency Department of Quang Nam Central General Hospital on October 22nd in a state of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Approximately an hour earlier, the patient suddenly felt weak, gasped for breath, then stopped breathing, fell into a coma, and turned blue. Family members immediately called emergency services (115). The emergency team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at home, and after a few minutes, the patient's pulse returned. The patient was then transported by ambulance to Quang Nam Central General Hospital.

On the way to the hospital, the patient experienced another cardiac arrest. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, the patient was not breathing, cyanotic, and had no measurable pulse or blood pressure. Emergency Department doctors activated a red alert and urgently performed endotracheal intubation and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Saving a patient who suffered two cardiac arrests - Photo 1.

Coronary angiography images show complete occlusion of the circumflex artery (red arrow), severe stenosis of both the anterior interventricular artery (yellow arrow) and the right coronary artery (blue arrow).

Following approximately 15 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient regained a pulse, and blood pressure was measured at 80/50 mmHg, dependent on two types of vasopressors. The electrocardiogram showed diffuse myocardial ischemia. Emergency echocardiography revealed severe hypomotion in multiple areas of the myocardium.

Doctors conducted an urgent multidisciplinary consultation to determine the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Dr. Tran Thi Duyen, Head of the Emergency Department at Quang Nam Central General Hospital, stated: "This is a case of out-of-hospital cardiac and respiratory arrest, most likely due to acute myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest complications. The prognosis is very serious, and the mortality rate is very high if not given timely emergency care and intervention."

The patient was then taken to the DSA room for emergency coronary angiography. The coronary angiography results showed complete occlusion of the circumflex artery, severe stenosis of the anterior interventricular artery, and right coronary artery.

Saving a patient who suffered two cardiac arrests - Photo 2.

This image shows the patient's coronary arteries after complete recanalization of all blocked and narrowed coronary arteries.

After consultation, the doctors determined that this was a case of cardiac arrest following a myocardial infarction, with the "culprit" being a complete blockage of the circumflex artery, along with severe stenosis of both remaining coronary artery branches.

Complete recanalization of both the culprit artery and the two severely stenotic arteries is consistent with current recommendations and will significantly increase the patient's chances of survival.

After thoroughly explaining the diagnosis, treatment plan, and the benefits and risks of the procedure to the family, the patient successfully underwent balloon angioplasty and stent placement in all three branches of the circumflex artery, anterior interventricular artery, and right coronary artery.

The patient was then transferred to the Intensive Care and Toxicology Unit for further treatment. In the Intensive Care Unit, the patient continued to receive mechanical ventilation and was given sedatives, antibiotics, and medications to treat myocardial infarction and acute heart failure.

Dr. Tran Truong Giang, Head of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department, stated: "This is a case of myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest complications, and the prognosis is very serious. Although the patient has undergone complete coronary revascularization, the severe acute heart failure following the myocardial infarction, coupled with pulmonary superinfection, pericardial effusion, electrolyte imbalance, and the potential for brain damage due to multiple cardiac arrests, significantly increases the patient's risk of death."

After more than 10 days of intensive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, the patient gradually recovered, the infection improved, heart function gradually returned to normal, and the patient was conscious and without chest pain.

The patient was then transferred to the Cardiology Department and continued treatment for another 5 days before being discharged in a stable condition.

Dr. Phan Tan Quang, Deputy Director of Quang Nam Central General Hospital and Head of the Cardiology Department, said: "This is a case of acute myocardial infarction with complications of cardiac arrest, multiple coronary artery damage, and a very serious prognosis."

The timely detection of cardiac arrest, successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and coronary revascularization in the shortest possible time gave the patient a chance for complete recovery. This demonstrates the hospital's improved cardiovascular emergency management capabilities, gradually approaching those of leading cardiovascular centers nationwide."

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/cuu-song-benh-nhan-hai-lan-ngung-tim-169251118082548764.htm