Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is defined as the abrupt and unexpected cessation of spontaneous and effective ventilation and circulation. CPA can be the natural ending of a normal and long life; however, when CPA is the result of a reversible problem in an animal that has a treatable medical condition, rapid recognition and treatment may make the difference between a happy ending and premature death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation provides artificial ventilation and circulation until advanced cardiac life support can be provided and spontaneous cardiopulmonary function is restored. The term cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation originated in the early 1960s in recognition of the severe central nervous system complications of prolonged cardiac arrest in human beings. Although neurologic complications of CPA may not be as noticeable in companion animals, newer brain-sparing strategies that recognize the consequences of reperfusion injury and the inflammatory cascade may some day offer improved survival.