Key to this approach is the rapid elimination of reversible causes of arrest,
followed by either defibrillation or pacing (as appropriate) before external cardiac compressions that can damage
the sternotomy, cautious use of epinephrine owing to potential rebound hypertension, and prompt resternotomy
(within 5 minutes) to promote optimal cerebral perfusion with internal massage, if prior interventions are
unsuccessful. These techniques are relatively simple, reproducible, and easily mastered in Cardiac Surgical
Unit–Advanced Life Support courses. Resuscitation of patients after heart surgery presents a unique opportunity
to achieve high survival rates with key modifications to ACLS that warrant adoption in the United States