Réchauffement des hypothermies accidentelles majeures par circulation extracorporelle

Hypothermia is a not rare but underreported cause of death. Treatment of accidental hypothermia is directed at restoring normal body temperature and attending to fluid resuscitation, cardiac arrhythmia and associated physiological disorders. Cardiopulmonary bypass seems a powerful technique for rapid treatment of severe hypothermia, since it can oxygenate and perfuse all vitals organs despite ventricular fibrillation or a systole. Cardiopulmonary bypass resuscitation is recommended for hypothermic patients in arrest and for patients with core temperature lower than 25°C, irrespective of rhythm. Global prognosis of major hypothermia remains poor specially when traumatism or hypoxic event is associated.