Extracorporeal Life Support in Patients with Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: Keep Them Awake

Abstract

Objectives: Traditionally, patients on Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) are sedated and mechanically ventilated and therefore prone to complications related to immobility and ventilation. We adopted this 'Awake ECLS' strategy for the patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) as a bridge to decision.