Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/12/2/7
Near-death Experiences in Planned Circulatory Arrest During Cardiac Surgery: A Comprehensive Review
Ana Filipan
; Catholic University of Croatia, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Petar Pavlović
; Institute for Cosmology and Philosophy of Nature, Križevci, Croatia
Vedran Hostić
; Catholic University of Croatia, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Ante Silić
; Catholic University of Croatia, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Josipa Josipović
; Catholic University of Croatia, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivo Darko Gabrić
; Catholic University of Croatia, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound subjective
events reported by individuals who have come close
to death. In Western cultures, they often involve out-of-
body perceptions (OBEs), feelings of peace, moving
through a tunnel, and encountering lights or figures.
While traditionally studied in unpredictable cardiac
arrest or trauma, planned circulatory arrest during hypothermic
cardiac surgery offers a unique, controlled
model to investigate NDEs. This review summarizes definitions, incidence, typologies, and cultural variations
of NDEs and OBEs, emphasizing cardiac arrest research.
We describe the literature search methodology
and synthesize findings: typical NDE features, which
vary by culture, occur in roughly 10–20% of survivors,
with OBEs in ~2%. Planned hypothermic circulatory arrest
(e.g., aortic arch repair) precisely times cardiac arrest
and reperfusion, enabling systematic observation
and interview. We discuss limitations of prior studies
(anaesthetic effects, recall bias) and how induced arrest
may improve control over physiological and temporal
variables. Emerging tools such as virtual reality (VR)
simulations can help patients articulate NDE memories
and reduce trauma. Including the medical staff’s timeline
and patient monitoring (ECG, blood gases, drug records)
can corroborate subjective reports. We conclude
that planned cardiac arrest settings could advance understanding
of NDE mechanisms and support patient
care particularly when an adequate number of patients
are included.
Ključne riječi
near-death experience; out-of-body experience; hypothermic circulatory arrest; cardiac surgery; aortic arch; consciousness
Hrčak ID:
346607
URI
Datum izdavanja:
28.4.2026.
Posjeta: 62 *