Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A primer for pharmacists.

This article focuses on the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), which employs venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) to provide full circulatory support during cardiac arrest, and highlights the critical role of pharmacists in this process. ECPR is increasingly utilized to improve survival and neurologic outcomes in both adult and pediatric patients, involving a multidisciplinary team where pharmacists contribute to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), anticoagulation management, vasopressor administration, and medication optimization throughout the resuscitation and peri-ECPR phases. The article outlines the technical aspects of ECMO cannulation, medication considerations including dosing adjustments due to ECMO-related pharmacokinetic changes, and specific pediatric considerations. It emphasizes that pharmacists' involvement is essential for medication management and improving patient outcomes during ECPR.