Mechanical Chest Compression Device-Assisted Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Life-Saving Approach for Persistent Ventricular Fibrillation During Coronary Intervention

Sudden cardiac death remains a leading cause of mortality in acute coronary syndrome, driven largely by sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) such as ventricular fibrillation (VF). Among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 4-12% experience VAs within 48 hours of symptom onset. Persistent VF warrants prompt transport to a catheterization lab, and mechanical chest compression devices play a critical role in these cases. The AutoPulse, a battery-powered device with a load-distributing band, provides automated compressions that alleviate rescuer fatigue and allow uninterrupted medical focus on other vital tasks. By maintaining consistent perfusion throughout the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the device facilitates life-saving interventions and highlights the potential utility of mechanical compression devices in rare, high-risk scenarios where conventional resuscitation techniques may be insufficient. This case report demonstrates the impact of the AutoPulse in achieving resuscitation and supporting primary percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with resistant VF.