Purpose of review: We review the recent advances in physiologic monitoring during cardiac arrest and offer an evidence-based framework for prioritizing physiologic targets during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Recent findings: Current CPR guidelines recommend a uniform approach for all patients in cardiac arrest, but newer data support a precision strategy that uses the individual patient's physiology to guide resuscitation. Coronary perfusion pressure and arterial DBP are associated with survival outcomes in recent animal and human studies. End-tidal carbon dioxide is a reasonable noninvasive alternative, but may be inferior to invasive hemodynamic endpoints. Cerebral oximetry and cardiac ultrasound are emerging physiologic indicators of CPR effectiveness.
Summary: Physiologic monitoring can and should be used to deliver precision CPR whenever possible and may improve outcomes after cardiac arrest.