The Lazarus phenomenonSUMMARY Even

The Lazarus phenomenonSUMMARY Even though Lazarus phenomenon is rare, it is probably under reported. There is no doubt that Lazarus phenomenon is a reality but so far the scientific explanations have been inadequate. So far the only plausible explanation at least in some cases is auto-PEEP and impaired venous return. In patients with PEA or asystole, dynamic hyperinflation should considered as a cause and a short period of apnoea (30–60 seconds) should be tried before stopping resuscitation. Since ROSC occurred within 10 minutes in most cases, patients should be passively monitored for at least 10 minutes after the cessation of CPR before confirming death.DEFINITION The Lazarus phenomenon is described as delayed return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This was first reported in the medical literature in 1982, and the term Lazarus phenomenon was first used by Bray in 1993.1,2 The term was coined from the story of Lazarus, who was resurrected by Christ four days after his death.