- pregnant patient in cardiac arrest who has not responded to resuscitation efforts within 4 minutes of onset
- viable fetus, generally > 24 weeks (but somewhat institution dependent)
Procedure:
- vertical incision from 2-3 cm above pubic symphysis to 1 cm below the umbilicus
- extend incision through subcutaneous fat to rectus sheath
- grasp rectus sheath with forceps and carefully make incision through it with scalpel/Mayo scissors
- expose the uterus
- make midline vertical incision through uterus with scalpel/scissors
- deliver fetus
Sources
Reichman, E MD and Simon, R MD. "Perimortem Cesarean Section" Emergency Medicine Procedures. McGraw Hill. 2004.
Roberts, J MD. et al. "Perimortem Cesarean Section" Roberts: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine 4th ed. Elsevier. 2004.