CARDIAC ARREST DURING ANESTHESIA

In cases of acute cardiac arrest from transient or reversible causes resuscitation is a distinct possibility. Prompt action is of the utmost importance. The sequelae of cardiac arrest will depend on the degree of anoxia that has developed and the amount of irreversible damage to brain tissue. Efficient manual artificial circulation, begun immediately, can prevent such damage. Four cases of cardiac arrest are described. Sudden circulatory collapse, which may or may not imply cardiac arrest, is not uncommon during surgical procedures. Usually the patient recovers quickly when treatment is prompt.