Abstract 19380: Synchronized Pulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support Preserves Left Ventricular Functions in Comparison With Continuous Extracorporeal Flow in Porcine Model of Cardiogenic Shock

Abstract

Introduction: Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly used for the therapy of rapidly progressing or severe cardiogenic shock. However, it has been repeatedly shown that increased afterload associated with ECLS significantly deteriorates left ventricular (LV) performance. Recently, new ECG-synchronized pulsatile cardiac assist system was introduced that offers full circulatory support with increased diastolic and decreased systolic extracorporeal flow. The aim of the present study was to compare the parameters of LV function during standard continuous flow ECLS support and ECG-synchronized pulsatile flow ECLS in cardiogenic shock. Methods: Ten female swine (body weight 45 kg) underwent ECLS implantation under general anesthesia and artificial ventilation. Subsequently, acute cardiogenic shock with signs of tissue hypoperfusion was induced by global myocardial hypoxia. Hemodynamic and cardiac performance parameters were then measured at different levels of continuous or pulsatile ECLS flow (ranging from 1 L/min to 4 L/min) using arterial and venous catheters, a pulmonary artery catheter and a LV pressure-volume loop catheter. Results: Myocardial hypoxia resulted in a decline in mean (±SD) cardiac output to 2.3±1.2 L/min, systolic blood pressure to 61±7 mmHg and LV ejection fraction (EF) to 21±7%. Synchronized pulsatile flow was associated with significant reduction of LV end-systolic volume (ESV), increase in LV stroke volume (SV), and higher EF at all ECLS flow levels in comparison with continuous ECLS flow (Figure 1). At selected ECLS flow levels, pulsatile flow reduced also LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP), end-diastolic volume (EDV), and systolic pressure (SP) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Our results indicate that ECG-synchronized pulsatile ECLS flow preserves LV function in comparison with standard continuous-flow ECLS in cardiogenic shock.