Abstract: A method of treating a subject in cardiac arrest comprises the steps of blocking the descending aorta of the subject and perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with a protective solution in an amount effective to deliver oxygen to the heart of the subject. The perfusing step is performed so that the protective solution infuses the aorta in a pulsatile rhythm. An apparatus for carrying out this method includes a storage unit for storing a protective solution, delivery apparatus for delivering the protective solution to the aorta of the subject, wherein the delivery apparatus is fluidly connected with said storage means, and a pulsing device connected with the delivery means. The pulsing device induces the protective solution to be delivered to the aorta in a pulsatile rhythm.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject under cardiac arrest comprises the steps of: blocking the descending aorta of the subject; then withdrawing blood from the subject; oxygenating the blood withdrawn from the subject; and perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with oxygenated blood in an amount effective to deliver oxygen to the heart of the subject. This method enables the subject to continue to receive oxygenating material (i.e., blood in this instance) without the danger of volume overload that would be present if another oxygenated solution were continuously infused.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in cardiac arrest, comprises blocking the descending aorta of the subject and then perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with a protective solution. The protective solution is one capable of delivering oxygen to the heart of said subject, such-as a perfluorochemical blood substitute. Following perfusion, spontaneous circulation is restored.In an improved embodiment of the foregoing, a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine is administered concurrently with the perfusing step in an amount effective to enhance coronary perfusion with said protective solution.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in cardiac arrest, comprises blocking the descending aorta of the subject and then perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with a protective solution. The protective solution is one capable of delivering oxygen to the heart of said subject, such as a perfluorochemical blood substitute. Following perfusion, spontaneous circulation is restored.In an improved embodiment of the foregoing, a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine is administered concurrently with the perfusing step in an amount effective to enhance coronary perfusion with said protective solution.