原位心脏移植63例临床经验

目的总结分析原位心脏移植的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2003年3月至2016年6月山东大学附属千佛山医院心外科完成的63例同种异体原位心脏移植供、受者临床资料。受者原发病包括扩张型心肌病47例、缺血性心肌病10例、肥厚型心肌病4例、限制性心肌病及瓣膜性心脏病各1例。心脏移植手术采用Stanford标准法1例,双腔静脉吻合法62例。术后采用CNI+吗替麦考酚酯+泼尼松三联免疫抑制方案,其中92.1%受者(58/63)采用抗Tac单抗或巴利昔单抗进行免疫诱导治疗,根据血药浓度谷、峰值调整环孢素剂量。术后早期重度移植物功能不全采用主动脉内球囊反搏(IABP)、体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)及连续性肾脏替代治疗(CRRT)等支持。结果 4例受者围手术期死亡,1例受者术后第2天再次接受心脏移植,移植手术成功率92.2%(59/64)。截至2016年6月,受者术后中位随访时间43个月,1、3、5年生存率分别为92.2%、82.1%、71.4%,其中8例存活10年以上。主要死亡原因包括:移植物功能衰竭、急性排斥反应和严重感染。存活受者术后心功能均恢复至Ⅰ~Ⅱ级(NYHA分级),恢复正常生活。术后发生右心衰竭8例,其中2例为术前存在重度肺动脉高压的受者,经IABP和ECMO支持治疗后顺利出院。发生多器官功能衰竭2例,肾功能损害11例,急性排斥反应9例。结论心脏移植是治疗终末期心脏疾病的有效方法,需根据综合因素考虑供、受者体质量匹配;同时监测环孢素血药浓度谷、峰值有助于合理用药,减少急性排斥反应的发生;合理应用IABP、ECMO等辅助治疗可提高心脏移植手术成功率,获得良好的早期疗效。     

危重状态病人心脏移植的早期结果：阜外医院单中心经验

目的分析危重状态病人心脏移植的早期结果及其在供者分配决策中的意义。方法回顾性分析449例心脏移植受者的临床资料,根据术前状态分为危重状态组(64例)和一般状态组(385例)。总结危重状态的发生情况;比较两组受者的临床资料;分析两组受者术后生存情况及死亡原因;比较危重状态受者术前不同机械循环辅助桥接移植的围手术期结果。结果危重状态病人占总移植人数14.3%,近5年危重状态病人比例逐年增高。与一般状态组受者比较,危重状态组受者术前吸烟史比例较低,既往心脏手术史比例较高,血清肌酐水平较高,原发病为既往移植心脏衰竭比例较高;术后使用机械循环辅助比例较高,术后并发症发生率较高,重症监护室(ICU)入住时间较长,院内病死率较高(均为P≤0.01)。危重状态组受者术后1年生存率低于一般状态组受者(83%比95%,P0.01)。危重状态组受者因感染、多器官衰竭死亡的比例高于一般状态组受者。64例危重状态受者中,术前1例单独使用呼吸机,63例加用机械循环辅助桥接移植。其中49例(77%)单用主动脉内球囊反搏泵(IABP),8例(13%)联合应用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)和IABP,4例(6%)单用ECMO,2例(3%)单用左心室辅助装置(LVAD)。术前应用ECMO、联合应用ECMO和IABP桥接移植的危重状态病人术后并发症发生的比例较高、ICU入住时间较长、机械通气时间较长,院内病死比例较高。结论危重状态病人心脏移植总体预后不佳,有效的术前管理可在一定程度逆转危重病人的高风险状态。供心分配应把有限的供心分配给最紧急且能从移植中受益最多的病人。     

机械辅助循环桥接心脏移植在难治性心力衰竭中的应用

目的探讨机械辅助循环(mechanical circulatory support, MCS)桥接心脏移植在难治性心力衰竭患者中应用的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年3月至2021年12月间接受心脏移植前采用MCS桥接治疗的7例受者的临床资料。观察所有受者基本资料、治疗过程及最终结局。结果 7例受者中男性2例, 女性5例;年龄(39.0±16.3)岁, 范围在7～56岁;体重(57.6±19.9)kg, 范围在30～85 kg。受者原发疾病为扩张型心肌病4例, 重症病毒性心肌炎2例, 缺血性心肌病1例。所有受者均为难治性心力衰竭, 药物或主动脉内球囊反搏(intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, IABP)辅助治疗无效, 遂行MCS桥接治疗, 其中实施体外膜氧合(extracorporeal membrane oxygenerator, ECMO)支持6例, HeartCon左心室辅助1例。接受MCS辅助治疗时间(20.0±11.5)d, 范围在7～34 d。所有受者均经机械辅助循环桥接实施心脏移植手术。心脏移植术后1例受者死于多器官功能衰竭, 1...     

术前糖尿病对心脏移植受者中期存活的影响

目的 回顾性分析总结术前非终末期器官功能受损的糖尿病对心脏移植受者移植后早期及中期存活的影响.方法 2004年6月至2012年7月间单中心完成315例心脏移植,回顾分析住院和随访资料,根据患者移植前是否患有糖尿病将患者分为糖尿病组(47例)和非糖尿病组(268例).比较分析两组术后早期恢复情况,包括机械通气时间,因并发症需持续肾脏替代治疗(CRRT)、体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)或主动脉内球囊反搏(IABP)支持治疗的应用率,重症监护病房(ICU)住院时间及住院总时间.绘制Kaplan-Meier生存曲线,比较两组患者术后早期和中期存活率.结果 患者年龄为(44.6±13.8)岁,术前糖尿病占15.0％.糖尿病组与非糖尿病组术后机械通气时间,需CRRT、ECMO和IABP支持治疗的应用率,ICU住院时间及住院总时间的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).平均随访33个月(17～60个月),糖尿病组和非糖尿病组受者术后1个月存活率为97.9％和97.0％;1年存活率分别为93.5％和95.4％;3年存活率分别为86.6％和91.1％;5年存活率分别为72.8％和88.9％;各个时间段存活率的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05)结论 术前糖尿病占15.0％的心脏移植单中心经验显示,经严格筛选的非终末期器官功能受损的糖尿病患者心脏移植术后早期及中期存活率未受明显影响.     

心脏移植术前血N端B型利钠肽原水平与术后早期受者存活率的关系

目的 探讨心脏移植术前血N端B型利尿钠肽原(NT-proBNP)水平与术后早期受者存活率的关系.方法 采用免疫法测定284例拟接受心脏移植的心力衰竭患者移植前血NT-proBNP水平,按NT-proBNP水平将284例患者分为≤5000 nmol/L组(≤5000组,237例)和＞5000 nmol/L组(＞5000组,47例),比较两组受者的术前一般情况、不同原发病者的NT-proBNP水平、两组围手术期体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)技术应用率及死亡率.采用Kaplan-Meier法计算两组受者1年存活率.结果 ＞5000组术前肺毛细血管楔压为(25.1±7.4)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),明显高于≤5000组的(21.4±9.2)mm Hg(P＜0.05)；心脏指数为(1.8±0.5)L·min-1·m-2,明显低于≤5000组的(2.1±0.6)L·min-1·m-2 (P＜0.05).＞5000组围手术期需用ECMO支持者占14.9％(7/47),ECMO相关死亡率为71.4％(5/7),1年存活率为91.3％；≤5000组围手术期需用ECMO支持者占6.8％(16/237),ECMO相关死亡率为12.5％(2/16),1年存活率为96.9％,2个组ECMO应用率、ECMO相关死亡率以及受者1年存活率的差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 术前血NT-proBNP水平较高(＞5000 nmol/L)者围手术期ECMO应用率和1年死亡率均较高；术前测定血NT-proBNP水平有助于心脏移植时机的把握.     

体外膜肺氧合在心脏移植围手术期的应用

目的总结心脏移植受者围手术期应用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)的单中心经验。 方法回顾性分析2012年6月至2018年4月于解放军第924医院行心脏移植且围手术期接受ECMO辅助的19例受者临床资料。男性15例,女性4例,平均年龄(42±8)岁,平均体质量(58±8) kg。原发病包括扩张型心肌病13例,缺血性心肌病2例,瓣膜性心肌病2例,以及致心律失常型右室心肌病和限制型心肌病各1例。术前平均左心室射血分数(24±7)%,平均肺动脉收缩压(48±7) mmHg。供受者体质量相差均<20%,供心冷缺血时间平均(92±25) min。 结果19例受者中,ECMO术前植入1例,术中植入15例,术后植入3例。ECMO转流时间(73±36) h。5例受者因心功能无改善无法撤机,最终放弃治疗,其中2例出现消化道出血被迫撤机。其余14例受者顺利撤机,其中3例受者撤机后分别因感染、急性排斥反应和多器官功能衰竭死亡。并发症包括：膜肺渗漏5例,床旁开胸止血8例,下肢缺血2例,急性肾损伤13例,急性肝衰竭2例,消化道出血4例,肺部感染1例。6例受者联合使用主动脉内球囊反搏辅助。 结论ECMO在心脏移植围手术期的应用效果良好,早期积极应用是其成功的关键。     

儿童心脏移植41例回顾性分析及随访研究

目的探讨儿童心脏移植风险因素及随访生存分析研究。方法回顾性分析广东省人民医院2018年1月至2022年6月期间年龄<18岁的41例儿童心脏移植受者的围手术期资料以及3岁以下婴幼儿的供、受者相关资料。围手术期存活受者通过门诊及电话方式随访至2022年8月31日, 观察指标包括随访期间生存情况、EB病毒(Epstein-Barr virus, EBV)感染情况等。使用Kaplan-Meire法统计术后受者生存情况, 使用Logistic单因素回归模型分析影响围手术期生存结果的可能危险因素。结果 41例儿童受者术前年龄120个月(58～138个月), 其中男性22例(53.66%)。原发病包括:心肌病37例, 心脏恶性肿瘤2例及1例移植后排斥反应再次移植、1例丹农病(Danon)病合并心肌病变。8例受者术前行ECMO辅助治疗并成功过渡至心脏移植。2例接受ABO血型不相容型(ABO incompatible, ABOi)心脏移植, 6例3岁以下婴幼儿供、受者体重比为(2.95±2.36)。围手术期17例发生一种或一种以上并发症, 治疗包括连续性肾脏替代治疗(continuous rena...     

机械循环辅助过渡至心脏移植的现状和进展

<正>最常用的短期机械循环辅助主要包括主动脉球囊反搏（intra-aortic balloon pump,IABP）和体外膜肺氧合（extracorporeal membrane oxygenation,ECMO）,两种辅助装置在临床应用逐渐广泛,在救治重症心衰患者中发挥了重要作用,同时也有越来越多的终末期心衰患者通过IABP及ECMO辅助过渡至心脏移植。近年来,左心室辅助装置（left ventricular assist device,LVAD）在国内应用逐渐广泛,部分患者通过LVAD辅助过渡至心脏移植。本文通过分析中国心脏移植注册中心数据,结合国内外相关研究,总结国内外机械辅助过渡至心脏移植现状,分析机械辅助过渡至心脏移植受者术后生存情况,探讨机械辅助与心脏移植未来发展趋势。     

体外膜肺氧合在原发性及继发性肺动脉高压肺移植中的应用

目的 探讨体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)在肺移植围手术期应用的方法及疗效.方法 2005年11月至2009年7月,对30例原发性及终末期肺病伴继发性肺动脉高压的患者在肺移植术中应用了ECMO辅助,完成单肺移植18例,不横断胸骨序贯式双肺移植12例.2例患者在术前经股动静脉切开置ECMO管道,分别维持19 d和6 d,术中仍在ECMO支持下进行肺移植;其余患者在麻醉完成后置ECMO管道,开始肺移植术.移植完成后,受者在氧合和血流动力学平稳后撤除ECMO.结果 所有受者均顺利完成移植.27例受者于移植手术结束后顺利撤除ECMO;3例受者术后继续使用ECMO,直至血流动力学稳定,其中2例分别于术后36 h和7 d时顺利撤除,另1例术后用ECMO维持5 d后出现急性肾功能衰竭,术后2周时死于多器官功能衰竭.术后股动静脉切开处伤口感染2例,股动脉血栓形成(中度)1例,经治疗后均好转出院.结论 体外膜肺氧合可安全有效地应用于伴有原发性或继发性肺动脉高压患者的肺移植手术.术中应用ECMO能控制肺动脉高压,同时进行呼吸和循环支持,减少了肺移植手术的并发症.     

体外膜肺氧合对心脏手术后心源性休克的辅助效果

目的 报道体外膜肺氧合器(ECMO)对心脏术后心源性休克进行辅助的初步结果并总结经验.方法 2004年6月至2006年10月,临床应用肝素涂层ECMO对心脏术后心源性休克进行辅助26例,其中冠心病10例,瓣膜病6例,心脏移植4例,先心病5例,大血管病变1例.年龄7个月～76岁,平均(44.6±19.7)岁;体重6.5～90.0 kg,平均(64.1±18.6)kg.结果 辅助8～336 h.16例脱机,脱机率为61.5%.4例脱机后死亡,12例生存出院(46.2%).结论 ECMO可以有效地进行心脏术后心源性休克的辅助,辅助效果较好.     

体外膜肺氧合技术在心脏移植不同时期的应用

目的 探讨体外膜肺氧合技术(ECMO)在心脏移植术前辅助、术中替代体外循环及术后辅助治疗的临床应用效果.方法 对心脏移植术前过渡、术中代替常规体外循环以及术后心功能衰竭辅助治疗中使用ECMO技术患者的临床资料进行回顾分析.结果 3例等待心脏移植的患者术前应用ECMO 5～8 d,其中2例患者在等待供心的过程中发生多器官功能衰竭而死亡;1例患者成功接受心脏移植,术后顺利撤除了ECMO.12例在心脏移植术中应用了ECMO代替常规体外循环技术,均顺利完成手术,术后持续应用ECMO辅助的时间平均为(38±14)h,1例患者因发生多器官功能衰竭死亡,其余11例患者均痊愈,顺利出院,无患者发生右心功能衰竭和三尖瓣返流等心脏移植术后常见的并发症.心脏移植术后由于严重右心功能衰竭接受ECMO辅助治疗的患者有10例,起始时间为返回监护室后2 h至2 d,持续时间为43～176 h,其中7例患者痊愈,顺利出院,1例因发生严重感染而死亡,2例因发生多器官功能衰竭而死亡.以上死亡患者的死亡原因均与ECMO的出血或血栓形成等并发症无关.结论 尽早应用ECMO可以使等待心脏移植的心功能衰竭患者有效地过渡到心脏移植;术中应用ECMO替代常规体外循环技术可以更好地保护供心,有利于缺血时间较长供心的功能恢复,提高心脏移植手术成功率;术后患者出现右心功能衰竭时,应用ECMO有良好的辅助治疗效果.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical results of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technique during the peri-operative heart transplantation. Methods The clinical data of heart transplantations supported by the ECMO were retrospectively analyzed, including during the bridge to transplant, working as routine bypass in the operation room, and supporting the heart failure after surgery. Results Three 3 cases were supported with ECMO to extend the waiting time: 2cases died of multi organ failure during the waiting, and the third one received the heart transplant and the ECMO was successfully removed. Totally 12 cases of heart transplantation received the modified open style ECMO techniques replacing the routine bypass. The ECMO was removed after assistance for (38 ± 14) h. All the recipients except one death recovered well without right ventricular failure or obvious tricuspid regurgitation which was common after heart transplantation. Ten cases received ECMO support for the heart failure after the transplant. The initial application time ranged from 2 h to 2 days and lasted 43～176 h. One died of infection and two died of multi organ failure nothing to do with ECMO application and other 7 discharged with NYHA Ⅰ/Ⅱ cardiac function. Conclusion Early use of ECMO could safely bridge the heart failure patients to the transplant. Replacing the routine with ECMO techniques in the heart transplantation could get good myocardial protection results even with long cold ischemic time and improve the cardiac function recovery. For the heart failure patients after the surgery the ECMO could afford good support effect.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac support in pediatric patients

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used for pediatric cardiac support in settings of expected mortality due to severe myocardial dysfunction. We reviewed the records of 34 children (<18 years) placed on ECMO between March 1995 and May 1999. Demographic, cardiac, noncardiac, and outcome variables were recorded. Data were subjected to univariate analysis to define predictors of outcome. Eighteen patients were placed on ECMO after cardiac surgery (Group A); seven of 18 were weaned off ECMO, and four survived to discharge (22%). Thirteen patients were placed on ECMO as a bridge to cardiac transplantation (Group B), six of 13 received a heart transplant, one recovered spontaneously, and six survived to discharge (46%). Three patients were placed on ECMO for failed cardiac transplantation while awaiting a second transplant (Group C); one recovered graft function, two received a second heart transplant, and two of three survived (66%). The primary cause of death was multiorgan system failure (68%). Group A patients supported on ECMO for more than 6 days did not survive. Mediastinal bleeding complications and renal failure requiring dialysis were associated with nonsurvival. We conclude that ECMO as a bridge to cardiac transplant was more successful than ECMO support after cardiotomy. Mediastinal bleeding and renal failure were associated with poor outcome. Recovery of cardiac function occurred within the first week of ECMO support if at all. Longer support did not result in survival without transplantation.     

A novel technique for intraaortic balloon pump placement via the left axillary artery in patients awaiting cardiac transplantation

In order to circumvent the problems associated with long-term femoral intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) placement we have developed and used a new technique of IABP placement. Over the past three years 13 patients awaiting cardiac transplantation have had placement of IABP via a vein cuff sewn to the left axillary artery. Thirteen patients have undergone IABP placement using this technique. The average duration of IABP support was 37 days (range 10-86 days). Ten patients were successfully transplanted. All patients were allowed to sit, stand and ambulate with assistance. No neurologic complications occurred. There were no episodes of sepsis related to balloon or insertion site. No patient had limb ischemia during IABP counterpulsation. Left axillary artery IABP insertion via a vein cuff portal is a straightforward technique with minimal complications. This method serves as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in a gravely ill group of patients while preserving patient mobility during the waiting period for a donor heart.     

Cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory assistance: the Texas Heart Institute experience

From January 1984 to September 1988, 245 heart transplants were performed at our institution. During this period, 53 staged cardiac transplant procedures were performed using an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), an extracorporeal centrifugal blood pump (ECBP), an intracorporal left ventricular assist device, and a total artificial heart. Thirty-four (64%) patients underwent subsequent cardiac transplantation and 28 (53%) were discharged. Our data indicate that patients who suffer rapid onset of heart failure and undergo early circulatory support are suitable candidates for successful staged cardiac transplantation. We have also used mechanical support to treat severe heart failure after transplantation, using IABP and ECBP support, as well as an intraarterial axial flow pump. In immunosuppressed patients, infection is the critical issue affecting outcome. There is a need for development of smaller, simpler, less invasive devices with the capacity to provide both systemic and pulmonary circulatory support.     

Concurrent Implantation of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Improved Survival of Patients With Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

The aim of this study is to report the combined application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) in postcardiotomy cardiac shock (PCS). A total of 60 consecutive patients who received both ECMO and IABP (concomitantly 24 hours) for PCS from February 2006 to March 2017 at Fuwai Hospital were included in our study. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected retrospectively and compared between survivors and non‐survivors. Logistic regression analysis was used as predictors for survival to discharge. The study cohort had a mean age of 51.4±12.7 years with 75% males. ECMO was implanted intra‐operatively in 38 (63%) patients and post‐operatively in 22 (37%) patients. ECMO was implanted concurrently with IABP in 38 (63%) patients. Heart transplantation (38%) and coronary artery bypass graft (33%) were the main surgical procedures. ECMO was weaned successfully in 48% patients, and the rate of survival to discharge was 43%. Survivors showed less bedside ECMO implantation (12% vs. 41%, P=0.012) and more concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP (81% vs. 50%, P=0.014). Concurrent implantation of IABP with ECMO (OR=0.177, P=0.015, 95% CI: 0.044‐0.718) was an independent predictor of survival to discharge. As for complications, the rate of renal failure (59% vs. 15%, P=0.001) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (29% vs. 0, P=0.003) was higher in patients who failed to survive to discharge. Patients who had heart transplantation had a better long‐term survival than others (P=0.0358). In summary, concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP provides better short‐term outcome for PCS and combined application of ECMO with IABP for PCS after heart transplantation had a favorable long‐term outcome.     

Pediatric arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Since 1990, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in 47 patients. METHODS: A review of the ECMO database, approved by the Arkansas Children's Hospital institutional review board, forms the basis of this report. We made statistical comparison using Fisher's exact probability testing. The ECMO circuitry was a roller occlusion pump with computer-assisted perfusion system technology. RESULTS: Thirty-two (68%) patients underwent transcatheter septostomy for cardiac decompression. Diagnosis at presentation was either congenital heart disease (CHD, n = 15) or cardiomyopathy (n = 32). Ages ranged from 1 day to 22 years old (median, 18 months old), and weight ranged from 2.9 to 100 kg (median, 10 kg). The average duration of support was 242 hours (range, 22-1078 hours). Overall long-term survival was 47%, with 16 (34%) patients successfully bridged to cardiac transplantation (of which 9 [56%] survived) and 13 (28%) successfully weaned from ECMO. Patients undergoing ECMO after cardiotomy had 31% survival. Survival was improved significantly (p < 0.02) in patients with cardiomyopathy (59%) vs those with CHD (20%). Patients with cardiomyopathy underwent 8 transplantations with 7 survivors (88%), whereas in the CHD group, there were 8 transplantations with only 2 survivors (25%), p < 0.05. Sub-analysis of the cardiomyopathy group revealed that patients with acute cardiomyopathy in association with documented viral illness had a 75% chance of being weaned from ECMO without undergoing transplantation. Complications during ECMO occurred in 45% of survivors and were more frequent in non-survivors. Infectious complications were most frequent, followed by neurologic complications, technical ECMO problems, and renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cardiomyopathy has a better prognosis than did those with CHD when using ECMO as a bridge to transplantation or survival. Complications are significant and increase with the duration of support. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for salvage and subsequent transplantation in this high-risk group of patients requires critical review. Alternative support options must be developed in the pediatric population that will allow improved outcomes, comparable with outcomes achieved in the adult population.     

心脏手术围术期主动脉内球囊反搏的应用

目的 探讨高危心脏病病人围手术期应用主动脉内球囊反搏（IABP）的疗效.方法 分析1998年1月至2002年9月293例应用IABP的围手术期心脏病病人资料.结果 本组治愈179例,死亡114例,总病死率38.91%;其中冠心病病死率35.87%（94/262例）,非冠心病病死率64.52%（20/31例）.术前应用IABP的冠心病者病死率17.24%（5/29例）,明显低于术中和术后开始应用IABP的冠心病者病死率36.47%（62/170例）和42.86%（27/63例）.结论 IABP是一种安全、行之有效的循环辅助方式,术前应积极应用,在高危冠心病病人中可以明显提高治疗效果.     

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Cardiac Transplantation in Children

Abstract: The feasibility and efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to cardiac transplantation was examined in 6 pediatric patients who suffered irreversible myocardial failure after undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects. The mean time of ECMO support was 260.5 h, range, 101–402 h. Three patients underwent transplantation, 2 of whom are long-term survivors. Progressive hypotension as a result of capillary leak syndrome precluded further ECMO support in the other 3 patients. Overall, 2 of the 6 patients survived. Major complications were encountered in 4 patients including bleeding in 2, a seizure in 1, and renal failure in 3, 2 of whom recovered renal function after transplantation. Infection did not occur in any of the 6 patients. Exchanging ECMO components was performed with no difficulties; these exchanges included a centrifugal pump once for 2 patients and a membrane oxygenator once for 3 patients. Our results indicate that ECMO can safely keep critically ill pediatric transplant candidates alive for more than 1 week with a low incidence of multiple organ failure.     

Institutional experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is currently accepted in lung transplantation either to bridge patients to transplantation or to treat postoperatively arising severe primary graft failure. Based on promising initial experiences we have since 2001 implemented ECMO as the standard of intraoperative extracorporeal support in lung transplantation (LuTX) patients with haemodynamic or respiratory instability with the potential to prolong ECMO support into the perioperative period. The aim of this paper is to summarise our total experience with the use of ECMO in LuTX. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all 306 patients undergoing primary lung transplantation from 1/2001 to 1/2006 with regard to the different forms of ECMO use. Results of all patients requiring ECMO were compared to those without ECMO during the observation period. Results: ECMO was used in 147 patients in total. Two patients were bridged to transplantation. A total of 130 patients received intraoperative ECMO support. In 51 of these patients ECMO was prolonged into the perioperative period. Five of these patients required ECMO support again in the postoperative period due to graft dysfunction. Contrary cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 27 patients mainly with concomitant cardiac defects. Eleven of these patients needed therapeutic ECMO in the further course. A total of 149 patients without relevant risk factors were transplanted without any intraoperative extracorporeal support. Six of these patients required ECMO support in the postoperative period for treatment of primary graft dysfunction. Overall 3-month, 1-year and 3-year survival rates were 88.6%, 82.1% and 74.63%. The mentioned survival rates were 85.4%, 74.2% and 67.6% in the intraoperative+/-prolonged ECMO group; 93.5%, 91.9% and 86.5% in the no support group and 74.0%, 65.9% and 57.7% in the CPB group. Conclusion: ECMO is a valuable tool in lung transplantation providing the potential to bridge patients to transplantation, to replace CPB with at least equal results and to overcome severe postoperative complications. Favourable survival rates can be achieved despite the fact that ECMO is used in the more complex patient population undergoing lung transplantation as well as to overcome already established severe complications.     

Current Status of Heart Assist and Replacement in Taiwan

Abstract: The first clinical application of intraaortic balloon pumps (IABP) in Taiwan was in 1976 to treat post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock. It is now the most commonly used circulatory assist. From 1991 to 1995, 186 patients received IABP support with an overall mortality rate of 41.9%. The male patients had the best survival rate, 67%, after coronary artery bypass grafting. The first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was in 1987 to treat intractable heart failure caused by severe acute rejection after heart transplantation. Because of poor outcome, patients only received ECMO sporadically during the past years. From November 1994 to November 1995, 30 patients received ECMO support with 50% of them eventually weaned from ECMO and 27% discharged. For short-term support or emergency rescue, ECMO was a good choice. When long-term support was required, the ventricular assist device (VAD) was a more suitable assist. One patient who received Thermedics VAD developed right heart failure and finally died of sepsis and multiple organ failure. VAD should be implanted before the secondary organ failure. The first successful clinical heart transplantation in Taiwan was performed on July 17, 1987. From 1991 to 1995, 102 patients underwent heart transplantation. The operative mortality was 3.9%, and the 1 and 5 year actuarial survival rates were 86 ± 3% and 77 ± 5%, respectively. To improve the success rate of clinical heart transplantation, organ donation should be encouraged.