Using transesophageal echocardiography during cardiac arrest in Dutch emergency departments

Feasibility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients With Cardiac Arrest in Emergency Departments in the Netherlands

Not applicable Interventional Frisius Medisch Centrum · NCT06249035

This study is testing if using a special heart imaging technique during cardiac arrest can help emergency teams in the Netherlands find the best spot to push on the heart and improve patient survival.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFrisius Medisch Centrum Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland)
Trial IDNCT06249035 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This feasibility study aims to determine if emergency department providers in the Netherlands can effectively use transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during cardiac arrest situations. The study focuses on whether TEE can help identify the area of maximal compression of the heart, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). By potentially offering superior image quality compared to traditional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), TEE may reduce delays in chest compressions and enhance the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts. The study will assess the practicality and effectiveness of implementing TEE in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are experiencing cardiac arrest in the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with known upper gastrointestinal malignancies, previous upper gastrointestinal surgeries, or those with do-not-resuscitate orders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the effectiveness of CPR and increase the chances of survival for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: While TEE is not currently used in emergency departments during cardiac arrest in the Netherlands, animal studies suggest its potential benefits, indicating that this approach is novel and untested in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with cardiac arrest \> 18 year in the emergency department.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with known upper gastro-intestinal malignancy or strictures, previous upper gastro-intestinal surgery or radiation, or known esophageal varices.
* Patient with a do-not-resuscitate order, pregnant patients and traumatic cardiac arrest.
* No trained TEE provider available.
* ROSC at arrival.
* Decision by the team to stop resuscitation at arrival at the emergency department due of prognosis.
* Other life saving interventions which are prioritized over TEE by the resuscitation team.

Where this trial is running

Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiac Arresttransoesophageal echocardiographyPOCUSEmergency Department
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.