Clinical Situations and Results of Cardiopulmonary Support by Peripheral Access for Resuscitation and Recovery

Abstract: Use of cardiopulmonary support (CPS) by peripheral access with a membrane oxygenator has made considerable progress as a result of the development of centrifugal pumps, percutaneous cannulation, and pre-heparinized circuits. We have used CPS for resuscitation in 3 cases, for recovery after cardiotomy in 6 cases (myo-cardial insufficiency, 4; pulmonary arterial hypertension, 1; respiratory insufficiency, 1), and after heart transplantation in 1 case. Of these 10 patients, 3 died during CPS, 5 were successfully weaned, and 2 underwent heart transplantation. Use of CPS is expanding for emergency cardiac assistance. Installation is simple and rapid. It allows recovery of organs pending more invasive and costly techniques.