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Cardiac resuscitation
Have you or a loved one suffered a cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest management in Tunisia is provided by experienced intensivists and cardiologists according to international guidelines (ERC/AHA). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, therapeutic hypothermia, post-arrest coronary angiography and intensive care are available 24/7 at competitive prices.
What is cardiac arrest and cardiac resuscitation?
Cardiac arrest (or cardio-respiratory arrest) is the sudden cessation of the mechanical activity of the heart, leading to a stoppage of blood circulation and breathing. Without immediate intervention, death occurs in less than 5 to 10 minutes due to cerebral anoxia.
Cardiac resuscitation (or cardiopulmonary resuscitation - CPR) is the set of gestures and techniques aimed at restoring effective blood circulation and spontaneous ventilation.
Why is cardiac resuscitation an absolute emergency?
Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in Europe and the United States. Survival decreases by 7 to 10% per minute of waiting. Effective CPR can maintain minimal cerebral perfusion. It can double or triple survival chances. Early defibrillation allows recovery of 50 to 70% of patients. Defibrillation must be performed within 3 to 5 minutes.
How to recognize a cardiac arrest? (Life-saving gestures)
Signs of cardiac arrest are unconsciousness, absence of breathing and absence of pulse. The procedure for the general public is simple. First, ensure the surroundings are safe. Check consciousness and breathing. Call emergency services at 197 in Tunisia. Perform immediate chest compressions at 100-120 compressions per minute. Use a defibrillator if available. Do not stop until help arrives.
How is cardiac arrest managed in Tunisia?
1. In-hospital advanced resuscitation
Advanced cardiac resuscitation is performed by a medical team. High-quality chest compressions are performed at 100-120 compressions per minute. Team rotations are carried out every 2 minutes. Artificial ventilation by intubation is performed. Rhythm is monitored for defibrillation if necessary. Medications such as adrenaline and amiodarone are administered. Reversible causes are sought according to the 4H-4T protocol.
2. Post-cardiac arrest management
Post-cardiac arrest management is comprehensive. Hemodynamic control maintains MAP above 65 mmHg. Therapeutic hypothermia at 32-36 °C for 24 hours reduces mortality by 30 to 40%. Emergency coronary angiography with angioplasty is performed within 2 hours. Circulatory support by ECMO is possible for refractory arrests. Neurological care includes EEG, MRI and seizure prevention.
What are the prognoses and sequelae after a cardiac arrest?
Prognosis after cardiac arrest is variable. Out-of-hospital survival is 8 to 12%. In-hospital survival is 15 to 25%. Good neurological status is observed in 60 to 80% of survivors. Possible sequelae include cognitive disorders, depression, asthenia and epilepsy.
What to do after a cardiac arrest? Post-resuscitation rehabilitation
Post-cardiac arrest rehabilitation is multidisciplinary. Motor physiotherapy restores strength and walking. Speech therapy and neuropsychology re-educate cognitive functions. A psychologist or psychiatrist treats post-traumatic stress. Cardiac rehabilitation re-trains for effort. Long-term follow-up is provided at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.
What is the price of cardiac arrest management in Tunisia?
Tunisia offers very competitive prices for cardiac resuscitation. Initial intensive care management over 24 hours costs between €800 and €1,500. Advanced cardiac resuscitation per day costs between €600 and €1,200. Therapeutic hypothermia per day ranges from €400 to €800. Coronary angiography with angioplasty costs from €3,000 to €6,000. ECMO per day costs from €2,500 to €4,000. A complete 15-day intensive care package is available from €10,000 to €15,000. These prices are up to 60 to 70% cheaper than in Europe, without compromising quality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiac Resuscitation in Tunisia
1What is the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack (infarction)?
A cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of the mechanical activity of the heart, leading to loss of consciousness and absence of pulse. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is a blockage of a coronary artery that damages the heart muscle, but the heart usually continues to beat. Infarction is a common cause of cardiac arrest, but it is not the same thing.
2Should mouth-to-mouth be performed during CPR?
For the general public (non-professionals), current recommendations (ERC/AHA) advocate Hands-only CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. If you are trained and comfortable, you can perform 30 compressions for 2 breaths. The main thing is to start compressions immediately.
3Can a defibrillator be used on a person in cardiac arrest?
Yes, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used by anyone, even without medical training. It automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and only delivers a shock if necessary (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). Voice instructions guide the user step by step.
4What is the average length of ICU stay after a cardiac arrest?
The average ICU stay after a cardiac arrest is 14 to 30 days. It depends on the cause, the duration of the arrest, the quality of CPR, complications (neurological, cardiological) and clinical evolution. Several months of rehabilitation may be necessary after discharge.
5Is therapeutic hypothermia systematic after a cardiac arrest?
Therapeutic hypothermia (or targeted temperature management) is recommended in comatose patients after cardiac arrest (non-traumatic cause). Temperature is maintained between 32 and 36°C for 24 hours. It improves survival and reduces neurological sequelae. It is not systematic in case of contraindication (hemorrhage, septic shock).
6What are the possible sequelae after a cardiac arrest?
Possible sequelae include: cognitive disorders (memory, attention), anxiety-depressive syndromes (post-traumatic stress), severe asthenia, myoclonus, post-anoxic epilepsy, myocardial lesions, and in severe cases, persistent vegetative state. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation is essential to optimize recovery.
7Is Tunisia equipped for advanced cardiac resuscitation?
Yes, Tunisia has modern intensive care and cardiology services, equipped with biphasic defibrillators, multi-parametric monitors, therapeutic hypothermia systems, coronary angiography rooms with primary angioplasty 24/7. Some university hospital centers also have ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for refractory arrests.
Why choose Tunisia for cardiac resuscitation?
Tunisia has highly qualified intensivists and interventional cardiologists trained in Europe. Resuscitation and cardiology equipment is modern. Biphasic defibrillators and multi-parametric monitors are available. Coronary angiography rooms operate 24/7. Intervention times are competitive with post-arrest coronary angiography < 2 hours. Complete survival chain management is provided. All-inclusive packages include hospitalization, CPR, defibrillation and angioplasty. Therapeutic hypothermia and continuous monitoring are included. A post-arrest cardiac rehabilitation program is offered.
In Conclusion
Cardiac arrest management is an absolute emergency requiring an experienced resuscitation team and state-of-the-art equipment. Tunisie Esthetic offers you quality care, performed by qualified intensivists and cardiologists, in modern facilities, at attractive prices. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your situation and obtain a personalized quote.