NCT07897370 · University of Massachusetts, Worcester
Cardiac Arrest - Ultrasound Detection of Occult Perfusion
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to describe the population of patients presenting after out of hospital cardiac arrest with occult perfusion, defined as a patient without a palpable pulse but with some evidence of pulsatile arterial flow.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to describe the population of patients presenting after out of hospital cardiac arrest with occult perfusion, defined as a patient without a palpable pulse but with some evidence of pulsatile arterial flow. The main questions it aims to answer are: * To measure the prevalence of patients of patients presenting to the emergency department after out of hospital cardiac arrest with occult perfusion * To measure the association between occult perfusion and survival * Compare survival between patients with occult perfusion that were treated as pulseless by ACLS interventions vs those treated as hypotensive Researchers will describe the percentage of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presenting to the emergency department without a pulse but with occult perfusion. Researchers will also compare survival endpoints (ROSC, Survival to hospital Admission, and Survival to Hospital Discharge) in pulseless patients with occult perfusion treated with ACLS interventions only and pulseless patients with occult perfusion treated as if they had pulsatile arterial flow. Participants will undergo resuscitation based on decisions by the clinical team who incorporate echo and/or vascular ultrasound during the first three rounds of CPR. The resuscitation will continue until the patient demonstrates return of spontaneous circulation or until the clinical team halts resuscitative efforts due to futility.
Primary outcome measures
Survival Rate (to Hospital Admission)
Time frame: Day 1
The percentage of patients that demonstrate survival that lasts long enough to be admitted to the hospital. Survival is defined as resumption of a sustained, perfusing cardiac activity after cardiac arrest characterized by restoring a palpable pulse, autonomous heart rhythm, and measurable blood pressure lasting long enough to be admitted to the hospital.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients presenting following out-of-hospital atraumatic cardiac arrest
Exclusion criteria
- Resuscitation ended due to end-of-life decisions
- Documented allergy to ultrasound gel
- Technical malfunction of ultrasound machine during imaging that prevents use
- Ultrasound machine unable to record images
- Cardiac Ultrasound not performed during first, second or third pause in CPR AND vascular Ultrasound not performed during first, second or third pause in CPR
Where
- Denver, Colorado
- Worcester, Massachusetts
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
- New York, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Richmond, Virginia
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, University of Washington, Truman Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MaineHealth, Hennepin Healthcare, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, University of Kentucky, Maimonides Medical Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, University of Arkansas, Christiana Care Health Services, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Kaweah Delta Health Care District, SBH Health System, Brown University, Prisma Health Richland Hospital, University of Arizona, Boston Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Medical College of Wisconsin, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Denver Health Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Mayo Clinic, Hartford Hospital, advocate christ medical center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Stony Brook University
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations