Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following Norwood stage 1 procedures at a single institution

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important circulatory assist for children with refractory cardiopulmonary dysfunction, but its role and indications after a stage 1 Norwood procedure are controversial. We assessed outcomes and risk factors in patients who underwent a Norwood palliation and ECMO at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a Norwood procedure and were supported with ECMO between January 1998 and January 2010. Of the 91 children who underwent a Norwood procedure during the study period, there were 15 postoperative runs of ECMO in 12 patients. The diagnoses of the patients included five with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, five with a hypoplastic left heart syndrome variant, and two with critical aortic stenosis. A total of four patients underwent bilateral pulmonary artery banding, and two patients underwent aortic valvuloplasty before the stage 1 Norwood procedure. The mean age of the patients was 28±30 days, and mean body weight was 2.6±0.5kg at the induction of ECMO. The indications for ECMO were low cardiac output in six children, circulatory collapse needing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in six children, and hypoxemia in three children. Five of the 12 patients were successfully weaned from ECMO. The significant risk factors for the inability to be weaned from ECMO were a history of circulatory collapse requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the induction of ECMO in the intensive care unit. Induction of ECMO may be considered earlier when hemodynamics are unstable in impaired patients following a stage 1 Norwood procedure to avoid circulatory collapse.     

Peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with posttransplant cardiac graft failure

INTRODUCTION: We sought to report the usefulness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in heart transplant patients. PATIENTS: Between March 2002 and August 2004, 14 heart transplant patients (11 men and three women, 36 +/- 15 years old, range = 12 to 50) with primary graft failure underwent peripheral ECMO implantation. Three patients had pulmonary hypertension and three had been transplanted with hearts from marginal donors. At the time of implantation, all were in severe cardiogenic shock despite maximal inotropic support. In six patients, the ECMO was implanted in the operating room since cardiopulmonary bypass could not be weaned. In the eight remaining patients, ECMO was implanted in the intensive care unit, during the first 48 hours in seven cases. In one patient, implantation was performed during external resuscitation. In all cases, femoral vessels were canulated using the Seldinger technique after anterior wall exposure. Distal arterial perfusion of the lower limb was systematically used. RESULTS: Pump outflow was high enough in all the cases (mean: 2.6 +/- 0.2 L/min/m(2)). Three patients died on circulatory support. One patient was implanted with a total artificial heart after a few hours and another one underwent unsuccessful emergent retransplantation. Nine patients were weaned from ECMO after a mean duration of 5 +/- 2.5 days. Among them, one died of infection at 10 days after weaning and seven others were discharged to rehabilitation centers. CONCLUSION: Fast operating room or bedside implantation of a peripheral ECMO allows the physician to stabilize the hemodynamic status of patients with cardiac graft failure, potentially leading toward myocardial recovery.     

Percutaneous extracorporeal life support for treatment of fatal mechanical complications associated with acute myocardial infarction

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), such as free wall rupture, ventricular septal perforation (VSP), and mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture, are associated with high mortality rates. These complications result in extreme deterioration and increased risk of death in patients who do not receive timely resuscitation and surgical treatment. We studied the effectiveness of percutaneous extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for fatal mechanical AMI complications. Nine patients (7 men and 2 women, mean age 69 +/- 6 years) who suffered circulatory collapse refractory to conventional resuscitation were treated with ECLS. Circulatory collapse was caused by free wall rupture in 4 patients, VSP in 4, and mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture in 1. All patients were successfully resuscitated by ECLS and underwent surgical repair with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass. Eight patients required ECLS after surgery. Four of the 9 patients (2 with free wall rupture, 1 with VSP, and 1 with papillary muscle rupture) were successfully weaned from ECLS and were discharged. Three of the 4 survivors had no major complications, but the remaining survivor suffered neurological deficit. Four patients died while on devices. The duration of ECLS was from 13 to 167 h (mean 76 +/- 57 h) with a maximum bypass flow of 2.0 to 3.9 L/min (mean 2.9 +/- 0.6 L/min). There were no device-related complications during the support period. Total weaning rate was 56% (5/9), and survival was 44% (4/9). We conclude that ECLS can provide appropriate circulatory support during resuscitation and subsequent postoperative circulatory support for cardiovascular collapse associated with AMI complications.     

Assisted circulation for myocardial recovery after repair of congenital heart disease

Between January 1987 and May 1990, six children underwent ventricular assisted circulation for recovery of myocardial function after cardiac surgery. Their ages ranged from 9 months to 12 years. Three patients had tetralogy of Fallot and one had atrioventricular discordance with ventriculoarterial concordance, ventricular septal defect, and under-over ventricles. Double outlet left ventricle and a large ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension was present in the remaining two. The duration of circulatory support averaged 126 +/- 57 h. An extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) was used in four patients, biventricular assistance with centrifugal pumps in one, and left ventricular assistance followed by ECMO in the last patient. Circulatory support was begun in the operating room in two patients who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. Both these patients are long-term survivors. Assisted circulation was implanted in four patients in the intensive care unit because of low cardiac output refractory to any pharmacological treatment. Only one of these patients could be weaned from circulatory support but he died 20 days later because of multiorgan failure due to persistent poor myocardial function. The causes of death in the remaining three patients were intracranial hemorrhage, untreatable bleeding, and failure of myocardial recovery, respectively. We believe that early postoperative use of circulatory support can be a major determinant for recovery of myocardial function in patients who have severe low cardiac output following repair of congenital cardiac lesions. Our initial experience with the use of biventricular assistance in small children is encouraging. Nevertheless, further observations are clearly necessary to establish the role of postoperative circulatory support in children with congenital cardiac lesions.     

Application of "double bridge mechanical" resuscitation for profound cardiogenic shock leading to cardiac transplantation

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute profound cardiogenic circulatory failure unresponsive to conventional resuscitation, we instituted immediate aggressive application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to restore circulatory stability. Long-term hemodynamic support was accomplished with an early "bridge" to ventricular assist device (VAD) before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation. METHODS: A respective review of ECMO and VAD data registries was instituted. RESULTS: From May 1996 to July 2000, 23 patients were placed on ECMO support for profound cardiogenic circulatory failure. Eleven patients (47%) were withdrawn from support due to severe neurologic injury or multisystem organ failure. Three patients (13%) were weaned off ECMO with good outcome. Nine patients (39%) were transferred to a VAD. Two patients expired while on VAD support, and 7 of the VAD-supported patients (78%) survived to transplantation. Overall survival was 43%. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent ECMO support is a salvage approach for cardiac resuscitation once conventional measures have failed. In neurologically intact patients, the early transfer to a VAD quickly stabilizes hemodynamics, avoids complications, and is essential for long-term circulatory support before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation.     

Mechanical bridge with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventricular assist device to heart transplantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of double bridges with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) in clinical heart transplantation. Between May 1994 and October 2000, 134 patients underwent heart transplantation at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Ten patients received ECMO or VAD support as bridges to transplantation. The ages ranged from 3 to 63 years. The indications included cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2 and profound cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy in 8 patients. Usually ECMO was first set up as rescue therapy. If ECMO could not be weaned off after short-term (usually 1 week) support, suitable VADs (HeartMate or Thoratec VAD) were implanted for medium-term or long-term support. Five patients received ECMO support as emergency rescue for 2 to 9 days, and then moved to Thoratec VAD for 8, 49, and 55 days, respectively, or centrifugal VAD for 31 days, or HeartMate VAD for 224 days. They all survived. The survival rate of double bridges with ECMO and VAD was 100%. In postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, circulatory collapse from acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis, ECMO is the device of choice for short-term support. If heart transplantation is indicated, VADs should replace ECMO for their superiority as a bridge to heart transplantation. Our preliminary data of double bridges with ECMO and VAD revealed good results and were reliable and effective bridges to transplantation.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children after repair of congenital cardiac lesions

Background. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the early application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients requiring mechanical assistance after cardiac surgical procedures.

Methods. The hospital records of all children requiring ECMO after cardiac operation were retrospectively reviewed, and an analysis of variables affecting survival was performed.

Results. Fifty pediatric patients between May 1997 and October 2000 required ECMO for cardiopulmonary support after cardiac operation. Patients ranged in age from 1 day to 11 years (median age, 40 days). Forty-eight patients underwent repair of congenital cardiac lesions and 2 were included after receiving a heart transplant. Twenty-two children could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and were placed on ECMO in the operating room for circulatory support. Of the 28 children who required ECMO in the intensive care unit, 10 had ECMO instituted after cardiopulmonary arrest (mean cardiopulmonary resuscitation time, 42 minutes; range, 5 to 110 minutes). In infants with single-ventricle physiology, survival to discharge was 61% (11 of 18 patients) as compared with 43% (14 of 32 patients) in those with biventricular physiology. Thirty of the 50 patients (60%) were successfully weaned from ECMO, of which 25 (83%) were discharged home. Overall survival to discharge in the entire cohort was 50%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support greater than 72 hours was a grave prognostic indicator. Overall survival in this group was 36% (9 of 25 patients) compared with 56% (14 of 25 patients) in those with ECMO support less than 72 hours (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed the presence of renal failure, extended periods of circulatory support, and a prolonged period of cardiopulmonary resuscitation as risk factors for mortality. The presence of shunt-dependent flow, operative procedure, and institution of ECMO in the intensive care unit did not alter survival.

Conclusions. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides effective support for postoperative cardiac and pulmonary failure refractory to medical management. Early institution of ECMO may decrease the incidence of cardiac arrest and end-organ damage, thus increasing survival in these critically ill patients.     

Therapeutic strategy of perioperative use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support (PCPS) for adult cardiac surgery.

SUBJECT AND METHOD: Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support is beneficial for patients with circulatory collapse. However, therapeutic strategies of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support for post-cardiotomy LOS have not been determined. We reviewed 9 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and treated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support to determine an adequate strategy for perioperative use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support. Patients included 8 males and 1 female with a mean age of 56.4 +/- 3.9 years. Six patients with IHD underwent CABG for 5 and CABG + MVR for 1 patient and 3 patients with valvular disease underwent AVR, AVR + MVR, and Ross operation respectively. Indication for percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support was post-cardiotomy LOS in 7 and preoperative cardiogenic shock in 2 patients. All patients underwent IABP associated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support. Systemic blood pressure was regulated to 100-120 mmHg by percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support flow and with minimum inotropic supports. RESULTS: Six of 9 patients (66.7%) were weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support and 5 patients were discharged. Five of 6 patients (83.3%) with IHD were weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support compared to 1 of 3 patients (33.3%) (p = 0.134) with valvular disease. Hemodynamic conditions in patients weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support were markedly improved within 40 hours of the introduction of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support (mean percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support running time: 23.9 +/- 5.5 hrs). In contrast, those unable to be weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support (mean percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support running time: 84.3 +/- 6.3 hrs) showed no improvement and developed major complications such as cerebral damage or multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support may be more effective for patients undergoing coronary artery surgery. Limited use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support within 48 hours may be applicable for post-cardiotomy patients.     

Five-year results of 121 consecutive patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at Fu Wai Hospital

Since 2004, our institution has adopted venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients who otherwise could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and patients experiencing cardiogenic shock and/or pulmonary dysfunction unresponsive to conventional treatments. In this study, we reviewed our experience with ECMO support and tried to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 121 consecutive patients receiving ECMO. Patients were divided into adult and pediatric groups and analyzed separately. Demographics, clinical characteristics at the time of ECMO implantation, ECMO-related complications, and in-hospital mortality were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors of mortality. A P value ≤ 0.05 was accepted as significant. Sixty-eight adult patients and 53 pediatric patients were included in this study. In adult patients, 52 were weaned from ECMO and 43 survived upon discharge. After univariate analysis, ECMO setup location, receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO, leg ischemia, hemolysis, acute renal failure (ARF), neurological dysfunction, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were associated with in-hospital death. In multiple logistic regression analyses, leg ischemia (OR 14.68, 95% CI 1.67-129.1), ARF (OR 12.14, 95% CI 2.5-58.8), and neurological dysfunction (OR 49.0, 95% CI 2.28-1051.96) were risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Patients put on ECMO in the operating room had a better chance of survival (OR 0.078, 95% CI 0.013-0.417). In pediatric patients, 30 were weaned from ECMO and 26 survived upon discharge. After univariate analysis, age, weight, and eight ECMO complications were associated with in-hospital death. In multiple logistic regression analyses, ARF (OR 24.0, 95% CI 4.2-137.3) was a risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality. A P value of 0.921 and >0.99 was obtained by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the area under the curve was 0.863 and 0.867 for adult and pediatric patients, respectively. The overall survival rate was 57%. ECMO is a justifiable alternative treatment for refractory cardiac and/or pulmonary dysfunction which could rescue more than 50% of carefully selected patients. Higher survival rates could be achieved by preventing ECMO complications.     

Replacing cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation operations

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is required in some lung transplantation (LTx) operations. However, it increases risks of bleeding and early graft dysfunction. We report our experiences of replacing CPB with heparin-bound extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in LTx operations. If extracorporeal circulation was anticipated for the LTx operations, ECMO support was set up through the femoral venoarterial route after induction of anesthesia; then, LTx was done as usual. Five thousand units of heparin was injected intravenously during the femoral vessels cannulation, but no more was used during the first 24 h of ECMO support. If necessary, as in patients undergoing single LTx for end-stage pulmonary hypertension, the ECMO support was directly extended into the postoperative period until reperfusion edema of the graft lung subsided. Twelve single LTxs and 3 bilateral sequential single LTxs were done under ECMO support. The advantages of using femoral ECMO rather than conventional CPB in LTx operations were the operative field was not disturbed by the bypass cannula, stable cardiopulmonary function and normothermia were maintained throughout the operations, there were less blood loss and transfusion requirements, and the left LTx was as easily performed as the right LTx. Red blood cell transfusion requirements during the operation and the first postoperative day were 4.4 +/- 2.8 and 2.4 +/- 2.0 U, respectively, in 10 adult patients undergoing uncomplicated single LTx with ECMO support, and 4.3 +/- 1.3 and 1.5 +/- 1.5 U in 8 adult patients undergoing single LTx without any extracorporeal circulatory support. The difference was not significant between the 2 groups (p = 0.53 and 0.32 by Mann-Whitney U test). The ECMO did not increase blood transfusion requirements. In comparison, 13 U of red blood cell transfusion was required in 2 patients receiving single LTx under CPB support. The ECMO support made the postoperative critical care easier in recipients with graft lung edema. Except for 2 cases of primary graft failure, the ECMO could be weaned off and removed at bedside within a short period (27.9 +/- 24.6 h, n = 13) with no major complications. In conclusion, the heparin-bound femoral ECMO rather than CPB should be used for LTx operations unless concomitant cardiac repair is planned.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in children

Size limitations and technical barriers prohibit the use of many conventional mechanical circulatory support systems for postcardiotomy ventricular dysfunction in pediatric populations. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), frequently used to treat neonatal respiratory failure, can provide cardiac support and is effective treatment of postoperative myocardial failure in children. From 1981 to 1987, 10 patients aged 2 days to 5 years were maintained on ECMO for 15 to 144 hours (mean duration, 92 +/- 16 hours) after cardiotomy. Operative procedures included repair of tetralogy of Fallot (2 patients), closure of a ventricular septal defect (2), the Senning procedure for transposition of the great arteries (1 patient), repair of interrupted aortic arch with closure of a ventricular septal defect (1), repair of a partial atrioventricular septal defect (2), closure of a ventricular septal defect with excision of an anomalous muscle bundle (1), and the Fontan procedure (1). Venoarterial ECMO was established in all 10 children. Six patients underwent transthoracic right atrium-ascending aorta cannulation, 3 had right internal jugular vein-right common carotid artery cannulation through a cervical incision, and 1 had right internal jugular vein-left axillary artery cannulation. Eight of the 10 patients were successfully weaned from ECMO, and 7 are long-term survivors. There were 3 deaths; 1 was caused by cardiac and acute renal failure complicated by sepsis two days after decannulation, another occurred 19 days after atrioventricular septal defect repair, and 1 was caused by massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Major hemorrhage developed in 3 patients while on ECMO; 2 required premature decannulation for mediastinal bleeding from operative sites and ultimately survived, and 1 died of respiratory failure as a result of endobronchial bleeding. We conclude that the use of ECMO in pediatric populations for transient postoperative ventricular dysfunction improves survival with limited overall morbidity.     

体外膜肺氧合支持治疗在成人终末期心脏病中的临床应用

目的总结10例成人终末期心脏病患者应用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)支持治疗的临床经验。方法自2005年7月至2006年6月,对10例成人终末期心脏病患者行ECMO支持治疗,其中终末期心肌病6例,冠心病3例,心脏移植术后1例。所有患者在ECMO支持治疗前都伴有难以控制的心源性休克和/或急性呼吸衰竭。所有患者均采用股动-静脉插管行ECMO支持治疗。ECMO期间镇静或清醒,维持血流动力学和血气指标稳定。结果ECMO辅助支持时间54~416h,平均139h。8例患者顺利脱离ECMO,其中6例生存,2例死亡;2例患者不能脱机,放弃治疗,均死亡。6例患者随访1年,均生存。结论ECMO可对成人终末期心脏病合并急性心肺功能衰竭患者提供有效的支持治疗,为心脏移植或心功能的恢复赢得时间,延长部分高危患者的生命。     

Pulmonary edema and fluid mobilization as determinants of the duration of ECMO support

The physiological variables that govern recovery of pulmonary function during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that pulmonary hypertension (PHN) resolves soon after starting ECMO and that neonatal weight gain, pulmonary edema, and fluid mobilization are major determinants of recovery of pulmonary function and the ability to decrease ECMO support. To evaluate this, 17 consecutive neonates requiring ECMO for severe respiratory failure were reviewed. PHN was studied by daily echocardiography to assess the direction of ductal shunting. To evaluate fluid flux, pulmonary function, and edema during ECMO, we measured body weight, urine output, and ECMO flow every 12 hours. To evaluate pulmonary edema, serial chest radiographs obtained every 12 hours were randomly reviewed and scored by two radiologists with a semiquantitative chest radiograph index score (CRIS). By 25% of bypass time, PHN had resolved in all patients. However, at that time, weight had increased to 9.16% +/- 1.78% above birth weight, and the CRIS was 44% worse than the value just prior to ECMO. From 25% time on bypass, as urine output increased, patient weight and CRIS progressively decreased, allowing ECMO support to be weaned. At the time of discontinuation of ECMO support, weight had decreased to 2.0% +/- 1.3% above birth weight, and urine output remained steady at 3.0 +/- 0.3 mL/kg/h. Within 24 hours of stopping ECMO, the CRIS showed a 58% improvement compared to maximal scores during ECMO. We conclude that PHN decreases early in ECMO and that edema and its mobilization are important determinants of the improvement in pulmonary function and duration of ECMO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Creatine kinase isoenzyme MB relative index as predictor of mortality on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as initial, biventricular circulatory support for patients with severe postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Due to its aggressiveness and limited weaning quote, concerns have been raised about maintenance of ECMO support regarding duration. However, it is frequently hazardous for physicians to make an individualized decision, whether and when discontinuation of ECMO support should be considered. We tried to find measurable values during ECMO support that could predict the patient mortality on ECMO support. METHODS: During a 9-year period, 32 patients (mean age 55.4+/-11.9; ranging from 30 to 75 years) with ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were included in this study. RESULTS: Eighteen patients died without weaning (group I, 56.25%), while 14 patients could be weaned off the ECMO support (group II, 43.75%). In the group II, six patients (18.75%) died later in the postoperative course and eight patients (25%) survived to be discharged from hospital. The overall survival of all 32 patients at 30 days was 31.25% (n=10). At a follow-up period of 3.88+/-1.58 years, the overall survival rate was 12.5% (n=4). Mean duration of ECMO support was 2.7+/-1.7 days. The following variables were significantly different between the two groups: blood lactate level and the level of MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) 48 h after ECMO initiation (p<0.01, p=0.001) as well as the CK-MB relative index as the ratio of CK-MB to total CK (p<0.001). Logistic regression identified that only the CK-MB relative index 48 h after ECMO initiation was associated with mortality on ECMO support (p=0.011, odds ratio=1.219, 95% confidence interval: 1.046-1.421). CONCLUSION: For adult non-transplantation patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, the CK-MB relative index 48 h after ECMO initiation can be a predictor of mortality on ECMO support. This might be a useful tool for considering a patient either for discontinuation of ECMO support or further treatment.     

心脏外科手术后体外膜肺治疗50例

目的 总结50例成人心脏外科术后体外膜肺治疗的临床经验,并尝试确定院内死亡的预测因子.方法 2004年至2008年,50例心脏外科术后病人接受体外膜肺治疗.记录病人基本资料,体外膜肺建立时的临床特征,并发症及院内死亡比例,以逻辑回归计算院内死亡的预测因子.结果 38例病人脱机,33例出院,生存比例66%.经逻辑回归计算,体外膜肺建立前的乳酸水平为院内死亡的预测因子.结论 体外膜肺可治疗心脏手术后顽固性心源性休克及呼吸功能异常.

Abstract：

Objective Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a cardiopulmonary supportive therapy. Since 2004, our institution has adopted venoarterial ECMO for adult patients who otherwise could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and patients experiencing postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and/or pulmonary dysfunction unresponsive to conventional treatment algorithms. In this study, we reviewed our experience with ECMO support and tried to identify measurable values which might predict in-hospital mortality. Methods From January 2004 through December 2008, 50 of 21,298 adult patients received VA ECMO. We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of these 50 consecutive patients. Demographics, preoperative measurements, clinical characteristics at the time of ECMO implantation, ECMO related complications and in-hospital mortality were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors of mortality. A p value ≤0. 05 was accepted as significant. Results Mean ECMO duration was ( 110 ± 17 ) hours. 38 patients were weaned from ECMO and 33 patients survived upon discharge. The overall survival was 66%. In univariate analyses, duration of ECMO support, receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to ECMO setup, ECMO setup in ICU, pre-ECMO plasma lactate level, infection, lower limbs ischemia, renal failure, experiencing at least one ECMO related complications were all associated with in-hospital death. In a multiple logistic regression adjusted for other factors mentioned above, blood lactate level before initiation of ECMO was a risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 1. 27 95% CI 1. 042-1. 542 ). To evaluate the utility of pre-ECMO lactate in predicting mortality, a conventional receiver operating characteristic curve was produced. Sensitivity and specificity were optimal at a cut-off point of 12.6 mmol/L, with an AUC of 0. 752. The positive and negative predictive values were 73.3% and 83.9% respectively. Conclusion ECMO is a justifiable alternative treatment for postoperative refractory cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction which could rescue more than 60 percent of otherwise fatal patients. Patients with pre-ECMO lactate above 12.6mmol/L are at higher risks for in-hospital death. Evidence based therapy for this group of high risk patients is needed.     

The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on survival in pediatric patients with respiratory and heart failure: review of our experience

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used for circulatory support in pediatric cardiac patients with low cardiac output and hypoxemia. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of ECMO support for respiratory and heart failure in infants and children. From April 2002 to February 2011, 14 patients aged 19 days to 20 years old (average 44 months), with body weight 2.6 kg to 71 kg (median 14.1 kg), underwent ECMO support for failing cardiac function, hypoxemia, and low cardiac output syndrome. In 12 patients, ECMO was introduced after operation for congenital heart disease (four with complete repair including Fontan circulation, and eight with palliative repair). In one patient, ECMO was introduced after partial pulmonary resection for congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation because of respiratory failure. ECMO was introduced in a patient with severe heart failure caused by fulminant myocarditis. Patients' demographics, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, additional support, and outcomes were analyzed. Ten patients (71%) were successfully weaned from ECMO, and eight patients (57%) were discharged from the hospital. The mean duration of ECMO support was 332 h (range 11–2030 h). Although management of the ECMO circuit, including anticoagulation (activated clotting time: 150–250), was conducted following the institutional practice guidelines, it was difficult to control the bleeding. Seven patients required renal replacement therapy during ECMO support using peritoneal dialysis or continuous hemodiafiltration. Five patients had additional operative procedures: systemic–pulmonary shunt in two, bidirectional Glenn takedown with right modified Blalock–Taussig shunt, total cavopulmonary connection takedown, and redo ECMO in one patient each. The patient who had the longest ECMO support for respiratory failure due to acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung surgery was successfully weaned from ECMO because high‐frequency oscillation (HFO) improved respiratory function. ECMO for heart and respiratory failure in infants and children is effective and allows time for recovery of cardiac dysfunction and acute hypoxic insult. The long‐term ECMO support for over 2000 h was very rare, but it was possible to wean this patient from ECMO using HFO.     

Long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support in resuscitation for intractable hibernating myocardium after coronary artery bypass grafting

We report our experience of long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) support to resuscitate a 62-year-old man who had critical three-vessel disease of coronary artery complicating intractable hibernating myocardium (HM) and sudden cardiogenic shock. Intra-aortic balloon pump and ECMO were deployed to restore the circulatory support while emergent revascularization surgery was performed.The patient was weaned from ECMO successfully after 15 days of support and discharged with recovered left ventricular function. ECMO is effective in resuscitation of patients with cardiogenic shock and HM. To our knowledge the present case necessitated the longest term of ECMO support to get rid of HM.     

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Primary Allograft Failure

Objective

Herein we have reported our experience concerning the usefulness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in heart transplant patients.

Patients and Methods

Between July 2002 and March 2007, 11 heart transplant patients, namely, 8 men and 3 women of overall mean age of 49.4 ± 13.9 years (range, 19-62 years) with primary graft failure underwent ECMO implantation. Two patients had pulmonary hypertension; 3 had been transplanted with hearts from marginal donors. At the time of implantation, all were in severe cardiogenic shock despite maximal inotropic support. In 6 patients, the ECMO was implanted centrally in the operating room when there was failure of weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass. Among the 5 remaining patients, ECMO was implanted peripherally in the intensive care unit, during the first 60 hours, including 3 cases of hemodynamic instability and 1 of irreversible cardiac graft arrest. The last patient was implanted on day 30 after transplantation because of acute rejection.

Results

Mean pump outflow was 2.7 ± 0.4 L/min/m². One patient died on circulatory support due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Ten patients were weaned from ECMO after a mean duration of 9.1 ± 6.9 days (range, 1-18 days). All of them were successfully discharged. No retransplantation occurred.

Conclusion

Rapid operating room or bedside placement of ECMO allowed stabilization of hemodynamics with potential myocardial recovery in patients with cardiac graft failure.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac failure after congenital heart operation.

Despite continuing improvement in myocardial protection and surgical technique, the repair of complex congenital heart lesions can result in cardiopulmonary compromise refractory to conventional therapy. In a 29-month period, 24 patients (aged 14 hours to 6 years) were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 28 times for profound cardiopulmonary failure. Four patients required ECMO after each of two cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Seventeen patients required ECMO to be initiated in the operating room: 12 (71%) were weaned successfully from ECMO, and 8 (47%) survived. Seven patients had ECMO initiated in the intensive care unit: 6 (86%) were weaned, and 5 (71%) survived. Serial echocardiograms demonstrated substantial recovery of cardiac function in 18 of 21 instances (86%) of ventricular failure from myocardial dysfunction. Overall, 18 of 24 patients (75%) were successfully weaned from ECMO including all 4 who underwent 2 ECMO treatments. We conclude that ECMO can successfully salvage children who have serious cardiopulmonary failure immediately after a congenital heart operation and that long-term survival is possible after two ECMO treatments.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for adult postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND: Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock occasionally develops in patients who have undergone cardiac procedures. We report our experience using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, and analyze the factors that affected outcomes for these ECMO patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of ECMO patients. RESULTS: From August 1994 to May 2000, 76 adult patients (48 men, 28 women; mean age, 56.8+/-15.9 years) received ECMO support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The mean ECMO blood flow was 2.53+/-0.84 L/min. The cardiac operations included coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 37), coronary artery bypass grafting and valvular operation (n = 6), valvular operation alone (n = 14), heart transplantation (n = 12), correction of congenital heart defects (n = 3), implantation of a left ventricular assist device (n = 2), and aortic operations (n = 2). Fifty-four patients received ECMO support after intraaortic balloon pumping, but 22 patients directly received ECMO support. Two patients were bridged to heart transplantation and two bridged to ventricular assist devices. Thirty patients died on ECMO support. The causes of mortality included brain death (n = 3), refractory arrhythmia (n = 2), near motionless heart (n = 2), acute graft rejection (n = 1), primary graft failure (n = 1), uncontrolled bleeding (n = 5), and multiple organ failure (n = 16). Twenty-two patients were weaned off ECMO support but presented intrahospital mortality. The cause of mortality included brain death (n = 1), sudden death (n = 4), and multiple organ failure (n = 17). Twenty patients were weaned off ECMO support and survived to hospital discharge. During the follow-up of 33+/-22 months, all were in New York Heart Association functional status I or II except two cases of late deaths. Among the ECMO-weaned patients, "dialysis for acute renal failure" was a significant factor in reducing the chance of survival. CONCLUSIONS: The ECMO provided a satisfactory partial cardiopulmonary support to patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, and allowed time for clinicians to assess the patients and make appropriate decisions.