Table 1 Patient eligibility

18–65 years old

 < 20 min conventional ACLS therapies

Witnessed arrest

Previously known life limiting co-morbidities (e.g. end stage heart failure / COPD) or terminal illness

Initial cardiac rhythm VF/VT/PEA

ROSC with sustained haemodynamic recovery

Time to commence CPR < 5 min (“no-flow”) by bystander or EMS

Pre-arrest cerebral performance score (CPC) 3 or 4

Time to commence cannulation < 45 min (“low-flow”) from arrest (unless periods of ROSC or “signs of life” during resuscitation

Femoral cannulation anatomically impossible (eg iliofemoral occlusion)