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.     

Temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with refractory postoperative cardiogenic shock--a single center experience

BACKGROUND: Approximately 1% of patients require temporary circulatory support due to refractory cardiogenic shock following cardiac surgery. Such patients are at very high risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the results of temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. METHODS: From November 1997 to February 2000, 7900 patients underwent cardiac surgery in our institution. Ninety-five patients (1.2%) (CABG, n = 63; AVR, n = 16; CABG and AVR, n = 8; other procedures, n = 8) required temporary postoperative ECMO support. ECMO implantation was performed via the femoral vessels or via the right atrium and ascending aorta. Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation was employed in all patients. RESULTS: Mean duration of ECMO support was 2.8 +/- 2.1 days. Forty-five patients (47%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. Of these, 28 patients were discharged from hospital 35.8 +/- 20.8 days post-ECMO support. Overall hospital mortality for all ECMO patients was considerable at 71%. Mortality rate in the combined CABG and AVR group was 100% (P < 0.05 versus the other surgical groups). ECMO support was complicated by renal failure in 64% of patients, bleeding requiring mediastinal reexploration in 62%, ischemia of the lower limbs in 16%, cerebral edema in 6%, and cerebral hemorrhage in 3%. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO is a suitable technique for short-term treatment of refractory postoperative low cardiac output. Mortality rates are comparable to other cardiac assist devices, with approximately 30% of patients able to be discharged from hospital.     

Off-pump vs On-pump: Time to Randomize!

Objective. Early and long-term survival in patients suffering from cardiogenic shock is poor. Treatment with mechanical assist devices is complicated and expensive but claim to improve survival. We reviewed our experience of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with acute cardiogenic shock. Design. ECMO was used in 52 patients with cardiogenic shock. They were divided into those not operated upon previously (n=19) and those having had cardiac surgery prior to circulatory collapse (n=33). Results. Twenty-six patients were weaned from ECMO. Early mortality for all patients was 48%. Mortality beyond 30 days was 5.8%, with no mortality in the non-cardiotomy group. Long-term survival for patients in the non-cardiotomy group was 63%, as compared to 33% in post-cardiotomy patients (p=0.07). Age over 55 years, female gender or cannulation site did not appear to influence survival. Conclusion. Mortality for patients in cardiogenic shock is very high. Treatment with ECMO in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock can be performed with good survival especially in non-surgical patients.     

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.     

Out-of-center extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult cardiogenic shock patients

Patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional management require advanced mechanical circulatory support such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In hospitals lacking ECMO facilities, interhospital transportation is necessary for further patient management. Thirty-one adult cardiac patients, who were transported to our hospital by our ECMO transport team between January 1998 and July 2004, were enrolled in this study. The median transportation distance was 200 km (range: 3-300 km). During transportation, the ECMO circuit per se and the patients did not have complications. Of the 31 patients, 20 (64.2%) were weaned off ECMO or bridged to ventricular assist devices and 10 patients (32.1%) survived to discharge. Delayed transfer (>2 days) and high organ dysfunction score were associated with poor outcomes. The survival rate was similar to that of our in-hospital group (survival rate: 32.8%, n = 64). In conclusion, adult cardiogenic shock patients requiring interhospital ECMO transport had a reasonable chance of survival.     

A review of a newly established ECMO program in a university affiliated cardiac center

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established rescue treatment option for severe respiratory and cardiac failure in infants and neonates and has recently become widely utilised in adults. ECMO support can be initiated rapidly in an emergency setting both by percutanous implantation and surgically; it allows transportation of patients in cardio-pulmonary collapse and bridging of critically ill patients to be recovered, other support measures or transplantation. The aim of this study was to report authors' initial experience after starting an ECMO program in a university-based cardiac center. The institutionally approved ECMO team bears responsibility for adjudication regarding indication and implementation of ECMO in all patients. Since the establishment of the ECMO team in October 2007, one elective and nine urgent patients in deep cardiogenic and/or ventilatory collapse were treated by ECMO support up to December 2008. Three patients suffered severe acute right heart dysfunction, two patients suffered postcardiotomy refractory cardiogenic shock, two patients had a cardiogenic shock due to postinfarction interventricular septal rupture, two patients experienced severe respiratory failure and one had elective ECMO implantation as a back-up support during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. Veno-arterial ECMO was used in eight cases and veno-venous in two cases of isolated respiratory failure. In nine patients, ECMO circuit was instituted by peripheral cannulation, in eight out of nine cases by percutaneous puncture. On one occasion central surgical cannulation was used. In urgent patients, immediate hemodynamic and oxygenation improvement was observed. Average support duration was 6.8 days (range 1-16 days). Five (50 %) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO and survived to hospital discharge. The illness severity in urgent patients defined by SOFA score ranged from 10 to 17, patients dying while on ECMO had higher SOFA scores (14.8±1.6 vs. 10.8±1.5; P=0.0065). Complications included mainly bleeding. ECMO support allows treatment of severely ill patients in imminent cardiovascular and/or ventilatory collapse. Therefore, establishment of an ECMO program in university affiliated cardiac center is fully justified. A multidisciplinary approach is essential. Despite adequate training and education of ECMO team members, this highly invasive therapeutic modality bears an inherent risk of complications.     

体外膜式氧合支持治疗100例回顾性分析

目的 回顾性分析100例心肺功能衰竭患者应用体外膜式氧合(ECMO)支持治疗的临床经验.方法 2004年12月至2008年9月,对100例心肺功能衰竭患者行ECMO支持治疗.其中男性67例,女性33例;年龄5 d～76岁,平均(28±26)岁;体质量3.8～100.0 kg,平均(42±30)kg.采用全肝素涂抹技术的氧合器和离心泵ECMO系统,婴幼儿采用右心房-升主动脉插管,成人应用右心房-股动脉插管或股-动静脉插管,辅助期间流量40～220 ml·kg-1·min-1.结果 辅助时间12～504 h,平均(119±80)h.61例(61.0%)顺利撤离ECMO装置,ECMO平均时间(108±59)h;其中康复出院55例(90.2%),6例患者撤机后院内死亡.39例患者不能脱机或放弃治疗,ECMO平均时间(136±102)h.总出院率55.0%.存活患者ECMO前平均动脉压高于死亡患者(P=0.038);死亡患者ECMO前血乳酸水平高于存活患者(P=0.005).结论 ECMO支持是一种有效的循环呼吸衰竭辅助支持治疗方法,尽早对心肺衰竭患者使用ECMO支持治疗,避免重要脏器不可逆损伤,对提高治疗效果有积极的帮助.     

体外膜式氧合在成人心脏病患者中的应用

目的 总结体外膜式氧合(ECMO)治疗成人患者的经验,分析早期死亡的危险因素.方法 2005年2月至2008年6月,运用ECMO救治45例成人心脏病患者,男性34例,女性11例,平均年龄(49.0±14.1)岁,平均体质量(67.0±12.8)kg.冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病21例,瓣膜病8例,心肌病7例.按救治情况分为心脏直视手术后辅助组(A组)31例,心脏移植后辅助组(B组)5例和慢性心力衰竭急性心功能不全组(C组)9例.14例患者此前曾行心肺复苏.采用股动、静脉置管法进行辅助.结果 辅助时间5～648 h,平均(126.7±104.3)h.27例(60.0%)成功脱离ECMO,5例成功辅助至接受心脏移植.院内死亡率42.2%(19/45),9例死于多脏器功能衰竭.26例(57.8%)患者存活出院.A组存活率为58.1%,B组为4/5,C组为4/9.12例患者再次开胸止血,3例患者因置管侧下肢末梢缺血行动脉取栓.11例患者加用主动脉内球囊反搏,6例存活.9例患者辅助期间合并肾功能衰竭而同期血液滤过治疗,仅2例存活.结论 ECMO可有效救治急重症成人心肺功能不全.在重要脏器出现不可逆损害前建立ECMO并预防并发症,是提高救治成功率的关键.     

Bridge to recovery for postcardiotomy failure: is there still a role for centrifugal pumps?

BACKGROUND: Early implantation of centrifugal devices in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock may provide a bridge to recovery and allow subsequent long-term survival. METHODS: Since January 1989, 62 patients were supported with centrifugal pumps because of failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. Indications were postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) (n = 60), bridge to cardiac retransplantation (n = 1), and right ventricular failure (n = 1). Patients' ages ranged from 23 to 78 years; 40 were men (65%), and 22 were women (35%). Twenty-two patients (35%) had a left ventricular assist device; 9 patients (15%) had a right ventricular assist device; and 31 patients (50%) had a biventricular assist device. Length of support ranged from 1 day to 19 days. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (68%) were weaned successfully; 27 patients survived to discharge (44%). Complications included bleeding (n = 41, 66%), renal failure (n = 28, 45%), and respiratory failure (n = 26, 42%). Currently, 23 patients survived 10 or more years (n = 1), 6 to 10 years (n = 7), 1 to 5 years (n = 10), and less than 1 year (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Centrifugal pumps are available, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. Our experience justifies their continued use as a bridge to recovery for patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, despite the availability and increasing use of more expensive devices.     

Strategies for temporary mechanical support: contemporary experience with pulsatile and non-pulsatile support systems

Despite advances in mechanical circulatory support, cardiogenic shock continues to have a high mortality. We reviewed our experience with pulsatile versus non-pulsatile temporary mechanical support at our institution to determine optimal strategy for survival. From January 2001 to December 2003, mechanical support for cardiogenic shock was instituted in 38 patients. Non-pulsatile devices (NP group) were used in 22 patients and pulsatile devices (P group) in 16 patients. Indications for the NP group were post-cardiotomy shock (PCS) in 17, myocardial infarction in 2, and isolated post-cardiotomy right ventricular failure in 3 patients. In the P group, 9 had the device placed for PCS, 3 for viral myocarditis, 1 after myocardial infarction, and 3 for right ventricular (RV) failure. Overall, bleeding, limb ischemia, and multi-system organ failure were higher in NP group with 5 weaned and 3 surviving to discharge (14%). In the P group, survivors included 7 weaned and 3 transplanted patients (63%). With the exception of isolated RV failure, we obtained a dismal survival result with ECMO/centrifugal circuits for treatment of cardiogenic shock. For refractory pump failure, improved survival was achieved by using intermediate-term pulsatile devices with early transition to a chronic device and/or heart transplantation.     

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.     

Five-year results of 219 consecutive patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory postoperative cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND: Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock occurs in approximately 1% of patients. We prospectively evaluated the early and long-term outcome as well as predictors of survival when using temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. METHODS: During 5 years 219 of 18150 patients (1.2%) undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, n = 119; aortic valve replacement, n = 24; coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement, n = 21; coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement, n = 11; other procedures, n = 44) required temporary postoperative ECMO support. The ECMO implantation was performed through the femoral vessels or through the right atrium and ascending aorta. Additional intraaortic balloon counterpulsation was employed in 144 patients to improve coronary blood flow. RESULTS: Mean duration of ECMO support was 2.8 +/- 2.2 days. One hundred thirty-four patients (60%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. Of these, 52 patients (24%) were discharged from the hospital after 29.9 +/- 24 days. The main cause of death was myocardial failure. Five-year follow-up is 96% complete; 37 patients (74%) were alive with reasonable exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an acceptable technique for short-term treatment of refractory postoperative low cardiac output. It can save the lives of a group of very high risk patients.     

体外膜式氧合支持治疗失败原因的初步分析

目的总结体外膜式氧合（ECMO）支持治疗成人心脏病患者的临床经验,对辅助未成功患者的失败原因进行分析。方法2005年2月至2008年10月,应用ECMO救治58例成人心脏病患者,其中男42例,女16例;年龄44．8±17．6岁。ECMO辅助时间131．9±104．7h。冠心病24例（41．4％）,心肌病11例（19．0％）,心瓣膜病10例（17．20）,先天性心脏病9例（15．5％）。结果院内死亡22例,11例（50％）死于多器官功能衰竭,5例（22．7％）因心功能损害严重,使用ECMO亦无法维持有效循环死亡,其余患者因出血、严重肺动脉高压缺乏后续有效治疗手段等而死亡。ECMO辅助治疗前有心脏停搏和ECMO辅助期间仍出现肾功能不全需同期使用持续肾脏替代治疗（CRRT）,在死亡患者中的比率明显大于生存患者（45．5％vs．19．4％,40．9％vs．5．6％;P=0．043,0．001）。生存患者平均随访15．6个月。随访期间3例因再发心力衰竭而死亡,1例出院后死于神经系统并发症,其余32例心功能分级（NYHA）Ⅰ～Ⅱ级。结论ECMO是救治急重症成人心肺功能衰竭的有效手段。在重要器官出现不可逆损害前及时建立ECMO辅助和积极有效地预防并发症发生,是进一步提高救治成功率的关键。ECMO辅助时仍出现肾功能不全需同期使用CRRT治疗以及在ECMO开始前经历过心脏停搏是提示预后不良的危险因素。     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery in 12 patients with cardiogenic shock

ObjectivesMortality is high when cardiogenic shock develops after cardiotomy, making it impossible to discontinue extracorporeal circulation and/or leading to low postoperative cardiac output that is refractory to treatment with vasoactive drugs or implantation of an intra-aortic balloon pump. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary assisted circulation, lending hemodynamic and respiratory support to the patient with cardiogenic shock in order to prevent multiple organ failure and death.Material and methodsFor this retrospective study of cases in which ECMO was applied in our hospital’s assisted circulation unit, we analyzed demographic data, indication, score on the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (Euroscore), duration of assistance, complications, and survival.ResultsIn the first 3 years after the assisted circulation unit was established, during which 1375 cardiac interventions took place, ECMO was used postoperatively in 12 patients (0.87%). In 8 of the patients, assistance was provided during cardiac surgery following cardiotomy and in 4 transplant patients it was used following primary graft failure. The mean (SD) patient age was 56.8 (9.1) years. The Euroscore predicted 37.3% (16.7%) of the deaths. ECMO was used for a mean of 5.4 (2.5) days. The most frequent complications were bleeding in the surgical area, cardiac tamponade, and acute renal insufficiency. Overall in-hospital mortality was 50%, lower than rates reported in the literature.ConclusionsECMO provided viable temporary support, maintaining adequate cardiac output while the patient’s condition could be observed and heart function evaluated. Mortality was reduced.     

Have Changes in ECMO Technology Impacted Outcomes in Adult Patients Developing Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology has undergone several advancements over the last decade. We sought to compare current ECMO technology to older ones to determine how these technological improvements have impacted outcomes in patients suffering from postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Between 2005 and 2010, 49 patients received ECMO as support for PCS following elective cardiac surgery. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 (Gp 1, n = 11) patients received a Biomedicus pump with an Affinity oxygenator, Group 2 (Gp 2, n = 11) patients received a Biomedicus pump with a Quadrox D oxygenator, and Group 3 (Gp 3, n = 27) patients received a Rotaflow pump with a Quadrox D oxygenator. Groups were compared with regards to adverse events and ability to wean. Adverse event analysis showed no statistically significant difference between groups in incidence of stroke (p = 0.08), renal failure (p = 0.88), or bleeding requiring reexploration (p = 0.10). Changes in technology did little to improve weaning rates from ECMO (Gp 1 = 63.6%, Gp 2 = 45.5%, and Gp 3 = 55.6%). Similar trends were detected in hospital survival (Gp 1 = 27.3%, Gp 2 = 27.3%, and Gp 3 = 33.3%). Technology did impact oxygenator durability with Gp 1 requiring seven (63.6%) oxygenator exchanges compared to zero (0.0%) in Gp 2 and two (7.4%) in Gp 1. While advancements in ECMO technology have resulted in improved oxygenator durability, outcomes in patients requiring such support for PCS continue to be poor.     

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.     

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.     

Long-term outcomes of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock

Purpose

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is still associated with a poor prognosis. We reviewed patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and assessed their long-term outcomes.

Methods

The subjects were 47 patients who received ECMO support for cardiogenic shock after open heart surgery. We analyzed the long-term survival and risk factors for early or late death.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were weaned off ECMO support, but 15 of these patients died during their hospital stay. An independent predictor of mortality during ECMO support was incomplete sternum closure (OR 4.089, 95 % CL 1.003–16.67, p = 0.049) and a predictor of mortality after weaning off ECMO was more than 48 h of support (OR 8.975, 95 % CL 1.281–62.896, p = 0.027). Fourteen patients were discharged from hospital, but seven of these patients died during the follow-up period owing to cardiac events (n = 2) or non-cardiac causes (n = 5). The actuarial survival rates were 34.0 % at 30 days, 29.8 % at 1 year, and 17.6 % at 10 years.

Conclusion

Although postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock requiring ECMO support is associated with high morbidity and mortality, the long-term survival rate is acceptable.     

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.     

体外膜式氧合治疗心脏术后急性心肺功能衰竭

目的 探讨体外膜式氧合(ECMO)治疗心脏术后急性心肺功能衰竭的经验.方法 回顾性分析2005年3月至2008年6月心脏术后接受ECMO辅助的117例患者的临床资料.男性85例,女性32例,平均年龄(48.7±16.5)岁.其中80例患者因术中无法脱离心肺转流、35例因术后急性心脏功能衰竭进行静脉-动脉转流,2例因术后急性呼吸功能衰竭进行静脉-静脉转流.结果 平均ECMO辅助时间61 h,平均监护室停留时间5 d.87例(74.4%)成功脱离ECMO,69例(59.0%)痊愈.主要并发症为出血38例、感染32例、肾功能衰竭需要透析29例、氧合器血浆渗漏29例、溶血7例、肢体血栓5例、神经系统并发症4例.结论 ECMO是一种有效的短期机械辅助方法,应掌握适应证尽早建立,积极防治并发症可降低死亡率.