Induced Theraputic Hypothermia after Cardiac Arrest Research Paper

Induced Theraputic Hypothermia after Cardiac Arrest - Research Paper Example This technique involves cooling of a patient to about 32 to 34 degrees Centigrade. Although introduced in 1950’s, it was abandoned due to certain difficulties however it was re-introduced in 1980’s after animal studies. After some successful studies, it is now approved by American Heart Association and is a part of their updated resuscitation standards. Given below is an insight into the steps involved, side effects and possible prognosis of induced therapeutic hypothermia. Therapeutic hypothermia is also known as ‘targeted temperature management’. Michelle E. (2011) has discussed in detail about the induction of therapeutic hypothermia and its outcomes in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery. She defines the therapeutic hypothermia as a ‘deliberate reduction of the core body temperature’ typically to a range of about 32 to 34 degrees Centigrade (89.6 to 93. 2). This is especially true for those patients who are unable to regain consciousness as the blood starts to circulate again following a cardiac arrest. During an open heart surgery, there is significant risk of neurological injury on account of the lack of oxygen supply to brain as the circulation comes to a halt. In the absence of oxygen, the brain undergoes anaerobic metabolism as reported by Michelle E. (2011). This leads to damage to ATP dependent cellular functions with a resulting increase in calcium and glutamate excretion. The brain cells thus become more active, consuming more oxygen. With the increasing hypoxemia, further damage occurs leading to cell death. The resultant cerebral edema further enhances the damage. Also, as a result of all these processes, the blood brain barrier also becomes ineffective further contributing to cerebral edema As soon as the circulation returns after the heart starts pumping again, reperfusion injury occurs which adds up to the ongoing damage. Meanwhile, there is already an onset of the inflammatory reaction as a result of