BACKGROUND: The severity of ischemia/reperfusion injury determines the neurologic outcome after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CASE REPORT: We present a case of prolonged open-chest resuscitation who survived without neurologic sequel. Multiple applied strategies to limit the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion injury, that is, infusion of magnesium sulfate and mannitol, protective lung ventilation and optimal postoperative pain control prevented the end organ damage in this patient. During the 40 min open-chest resuscitation, ventricular defibrillation was successfully attempted with extrathoracic paddles.

CONCLUSION: The appropriate use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic protective strategies could modify the inflammatory cascade and minimize the deleterious effects of reperfusion after prolonged periods of ischemia. The successful defibrillation in this patient warrants the use of standard paddles in open-chest surgeries where surgical small paddles are not available.

Keywords: Resuscitation, Ischemia, Reperfusion, Neuroprotection, Addiction, Extrathoracic Defibrillation