ROSC
Return of Spontaneous Circulation
With advancements in medical technology, success in saving lives after cardiac arrest is occurring. Individuals who experienced a period of "downtime" (the time before and during CPR until a stable state is achieved), are often placed under a therapeutic hypothermia state (for reasons described in the infographic below). This treatment is important for a comatose survivor of cardiac arrest, as an interruption of oxygen supply to the brain for more than a few minutes can have serious side effects, including changes in behaviour and motor skills (UOHI, 2014). Oxygen deprivation can be mild, causing slow onset of symptoms, or severe, leading to rapid changes (UOHI, 2014). Recovering from a unique anorexic brain injury such as this can be a challenging process, and it is important to remember that individuals will recover at their own rate.
At the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), a world-renown cardiac institution, ROSC procedures are gaining success in operating rooms. Leading cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are discovering medical advances in this field, such as ideal cooling temperatures and methods.
OT interventions with this population generally consist of providing seating and positioning equipment when patients are first warmed and regain consciousness. Afterwards, if the patient appears to have cognitive deficits a cognitive screen will be performed and the results will be relayed to the multidisciplinary team. Upper extremity assessment and intervention is also frequently provided to patients, if they appear to be deconditioned and have difficulty performing tasks.
Stay tuned to this interesting topic in the future!
At the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), a world-renown cardiac institution, ROSC procedures are gaining success in operating rooms. Leading cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are discovering medical advances in this field, such as ideal cooling temperatures and methods.
OT interventions with this population generally consist of providing seating and positioning equipment when patients are first warmed and regain consciousness. Afterwards, if the patient appears to have cognitive deficits a cognitive screen will be performed and the results will be relayed to the multidisciplinary team. Upper extremity assessment and intervention is also frequently provided to patients, if they appear to be deconditioned and have difficulty performing tasks.
Stay tuned to this interesting topic in the future!
References
UOHI, (2014). The Ext Steps of Therapeutic Hypothermia: A patient and family guide. University of Ottawa Heart Institute.