Optimizing IABP–patient interaction in VA-ECMO via transcranial doppler

BackgroundThe addition of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) during peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support has been shown to improve coronary bypass graft flows and cardiac function in refractory cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of additional IABP support on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with peripheral VA ECMO following cardiac procedures.MethodsTwelve patients (mean age 60.40 ± 9.80 years) received VA ECMO combined with IABP support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock after coronary artery bypass grafting. The mean CBF in the bilateral middle cerebral arteries was measured with and without IABP counterpulsation by transcranial Doppler. The patients provided their control values. The mean CBF data were divided into two groups (pulsatile pressure greater than 10 mmHg, P group; pulsatile pressure less than 10 mmHg, N group) based on whether the patients experienced cardiac stun. The mean cerebral blood flow in VA ECMO (IABP turned off) alone and VA ECMO with IABP support were compared using the paired t test.ResultsAll of the patients were successfully weaned from VA ECMO, and eight patients survived to discharge. The addition of IABP to VA ECMO did not change the mean CBF (251.47 ± 79.28 ml/min vs. 251.30 ± 79.47 ml/min, P = 0.96). The mean CBF was higher in VA ECMO alone than in VA ECMO combined with IABP support in the N group (257.68 ± 97.21 ml/min vs. 239.47 ± 95.60, P = 0.00). The addition of IABP to VA ECMO support increased the mean CBF values significantly compared with VA ECMO alone (261.68 ± 82.45 ml/min vs. 244.43 ± 45.85 ml/min, P = 0.00) in the P group.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that an IABP significantly changes the CBF during peripheral VA ECMO, depending on the antegrade blood flow by spontaneous cardiac function. The addition of an IABP to VA ECMO support decreased the CBF during cardiac stun, and it increased CBF without cardiac stun.

Ambulatory simultaneous venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and temporary percutaneous left ventricular assist device bridge to heart transplantation

ELSO Interim Guidelines for Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adult Cardiac Patients.

To report a series of three patients who received simultaneous circulatory support with both veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pump and subsequently developed spinal cord infarction, and present a brief review of the relevant literature. Hospital medical records and MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Any patient who developed lower limb neurologic symptoms during a period of concurrent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pump support, with subsequent MRI changes involving the spinal cord, from 2006 (the year of institution of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in our ICU) to 2014. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Medical databases were searched for any literature linking intra-aortic balloon pump and/or venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with neurologic injury of the lower limbs. Three female patients presented in cardiogenic shock or arrest requiring circulatory support. Intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted, and peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated with subsequent loss of native ejection in each case. Neurologic signs were noted clinically, and subsequent imaging demonstrated spinal cord infarction and small aortic size for all three patients. The timeline of events suggests a causal relation between intra-aortic balloon pump, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and significant neurologic deficits. This is likely due to hypoperfusion of the spinal cord, which is multifactorial in origin, including small aortic calibre, low cardiac output states, high vasopressor requirements causing vasospasm of the artery of Adamkiewicz, occlusion of retrograde oxygenated blood flow from peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to intra-aortic balloon pump being in situ, and possible thromboembolic phenomena. The thoracic spinal cord is intrinsically susceptible to ischemia due to the anatomy of the arterial supply, which is described here. We identify several risk factors and make several recommendations to avoid this rare but catastrophic complication in the future. We also suggest interventions should this challenging complication be identified.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is able to detect cerebral hemodynamic changes in real-time. Impairment of cerebral blood flow during veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment is referred to in the literature. Several cerebrovascular complications can affect VA ECMO patients, eventually leading to brain death (BD). Transcranial Doppler is a worldwide accepted technique for cerebral circulatory arrest (CCA) diagnosis for BD confirmation, and in Italy, it is mandatory in certain clinical conditions. Nowadays, no data have been published on the use of TCD as a confirmation test in VA ECMO patients evolved to BD. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility of TCD in CCA diagnosis during VA ECMO treatment. Thirty-two TCD examinations, performed in 25 patients on VA ECMO, were retrospectively analyzed, and factors that could be responsible for TCD waveforms abnormalities were reviewed. Differences in TCD patterns were detected depending on values of left ventricular ejection fraction and the absence or presence of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP). Four categories of different TCD patterns were then identified. In five BD patients, diagnostic CCA patterns in all cerebral arteries were identified by TCD. Our data suggest that cerebral hemodynamic changes due to both residual cardiac function and the effects of IABP can be detected by TCD in VA ECMO patients. In the case of BD, TCD seems to be a reliable instrumental test for CCA diagnosis in patients on VA ECMO when a pulsatile flow is maintained (native or IABP support).

Plugging the Hole: Diagnosis and Management of Post–Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1968.1 Early experimental and clinical trials suggested that intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation could provide circulatory assistance to a failing left ventricle.2,3 Counterpulsation—balloon inflation during diastole and deflation in systole—augments the intrinsic Windkessel effect, whereby potential energy stored in the aortic root during systole is converted to kinetic energy with the elastic recoil of the aortic root. Counterpulsation leads to a decline in afterload, a reduction in cardiac work, and therefore myocardial oxygen requirements of the ventricle. Augmentation of diastolic pressure when the balloon is fully inflated together with reduction in left ventricular (LV) filling pressures contribute to improved coronary perfusion (Figures 1 and 2).4 This proposed improvement in myocardial energetics has been further supported by a significant reduction in systemic lactate.5 These physiological enhancements are thought to be of particular benefit after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), supported by animal studies, which have shown a reduction in infarct size when counterpulsation is used.6,7 Figure 1. Coronary perfusion. Coronary flow is predominantly diastolic and further enhanced by counterpulsation, which augments diastolic blood flow and thus coronary perfusion. In addition, aortic recoil during diastole further improves efficiency of the left ventricle. Figure 2. Systemic arterial pressure waveform on introduction of intra-aortic balloon pump–assisted diastolic augmentation. The intra-aortic balloon pump inflates at the dicrotic notch, leading to peak-augmented diastolic pressure. As the balloon deflates, assisted end diastolic pressure is seen to be lower than unassisted end diastolic pressure and assisted systolic pressure is lower than unassisted systolic pressure. Peak diastolic augmentation should be greater than the unassisted systolic pressure and both assisted pressures should be less than the unassisted pressures. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was initially used as a means of supporting patients undergoing surgical revascularization. Percutaneous delivery …

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits

The relationship between the timing of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and surgical outcome remains a subject of debate. Peri-operative mechanical circulatory support is commenced either prophylactically or after increasing inotropic support has proved inadequate. This study evaluates the effect timing of IABP support on the 1-year survival of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. From April 1997 to September 2002, 7698 consecutive cardiac surgical procedures were performed. This included 5678 isolated coronary artery bypasses (CABGs), 1245 isolated valve procedures and 775 simultaneous CABG and valve procedures. IABP support was required in 237 patients (3.1%). Twenty-seven patients (0.35%) were classed as high-risk and received preoperative IABP support, 25 patients (0.32%) were haemodynamically compromised and required preoperative IABP support, 120 patients (1.56%) required intra-operative IABP support, and 65 patients (0.84%) required post-operative IABP support. Multiple variables were offered to a Cox proportional hazards model and significant predictors of 1-year survival were identified. These were used to risk adjust Kaplan-Meier survival curves. 1-year follow-up was complete and 450 deaths (5.8%) were recorded. The significant independent predictors of increased mortality at 1-year (P<0.05, HR=hazard ratio) were post-operative renal failure (HR=3.5), increasing EuroSCORE (HR=1.2), post-operative myocardial infarction (HR=3.7), post-operative IABP (HR=4.1) intra-operative IABP (HR=2.8), post-operative stroke (HR=2.5), increasing number of valves (HR=1.6), ejection fraction <30% (HR=1.3) and triple-vessel disease (HR=1.3). After risk-adjustment, 1-year survival for patients who required intra-operative IABP support was significantly greater than for those patients who required IABP support in the post-operative period. Patients who warrant IABP support in the post-operative setting have a significantly increased mortality at 1-year when compared to any other group. Therefore, earlier IABP support as part of surgical strategy may help to improve the outcome.

Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump for Left Ventricular Unloading in Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Last Remaining Indication in Cardiogenic Shock

To investigate the potential clinical benefit of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a bridge to heart transplantation (HT). We studied 169 patients who were listed for urgent HT under VA-ECMO support at 16 Spanish institutions from 2010 to 2015. The clinical outcomes of patients under simultaneous IABP support (n = 73) were compared to a control group of patients without IABP support (n = 96). There were no statistically significant differences between the IABP and control groups with regard to the cumulative rates of transplantation (71.2% vs 81.2%, P = 0.17), death during VA-ECMO support (20.6% vs 14.6%, P = 0.31), transition to a different mechanical circulatory support device (5.5% vs 5.2%, P = 0.94) or weaning from VA-ECMO support due to recovery (2.7% vs 0%, P = 0.10). There was a higher incidence of bleeding events in the IABP group (45.2% vs 25%, P = 0.006; adjusted odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.67). In-hospital postoperative mortality after HT was 34.6% in the IABP group and 32.5% in the control group (P = 0.80). One-year survival after listing for urgent HT was 53.3% in the IABP group and 52.2% in the control group (log rank P = 0.75). Multivariate adjustment for potential confounders did not change this result (adjusted hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.56-1.58). In our study, simultaneous IABP therapy in transplant candidates under VA-ECMO support did not significantly reduce morbidity or mortality.

IntroductionThe mobilization and ambulation of patients with severe cardiogenic shock supported with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pVA-ECMO) and concomitant femoral intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support is not well-described. This technical paper describes an ambulation protocol to prevent deconditioning in this critically ill patient population.MethodsA protocol for the ambulation of patients with pVA-ECMO and concomitant IABP support was created in December 2022 and implemented at a single center. To initiate ambulation, patients were initially placed in a vertical position utilizing the VitalGo Total Lift Bed (VitalGo Systems, Miramar, FL) with mechanical circulatory support device monitoring performed by a critical care multidisciplinary team. Retrospective analysis of successfully ambulated patients was performed from December 2022 to January 2024.ResultsA total of 35 patients out of 112 patients with ECMO support were ambulated in the study period. Four of these patients had pVA-ECMO with concomitant IABP support with this cohort completing a total of 11 sessions during the study period. Patients ambulated an average of 200 feet per session without any adverse events, including cannula and balloon pump migration or displacement. Three of the four patients studied were either bridged to an advanced therapy including orthotopic heart transplant or durable left ventricular assist device or were discharged.ConclusionA protocol for ambulation of CS patients with pVA-ECMO support and concomitant femoral IABP support is feasible and can safely be implemented in this critically ill patient population. Further multicenter studies are necessary to determine the overall impact of ambulation on patient outcomes.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Impella are left ventricular unloading devices with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in place and later serve as bridging therapy when VA-ECMO is terminated. We aimed to determine the potential differences in clinical outcomes and rate of complications between the two combinations of mechanical circulatory support. This was a retrospective, single institutional cohort study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong. Inclusion criteria included all patients aged ⩾18 years, who had VA-ECMO support, and who had left ventricular unloading by either IABP or Impella between January 1, 2018 and October 31, 2020. Patients <18 years old, with central VA-ECMO, who did not require left ventricular unloading, or who underwent surgical venting procedures were excluded. The primary outcome was ECMO duration. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) in the ICU, hospital LOS, mortality, and complication rate. Fifty-two patients with ECMO + IABP and 14 patients with ECMO + Impella were recruited. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of ECMO duration (2.5 vs 4.6 days, p = 0.147), ICU LOS (7.7 vs 10.8 days, p = 0.367), and hospital LOS (14.8 vs 16.5 days, p = 0.556) between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was observed in the ECMO, ICU, and hospital mortalities between the two groups. Specific complications related to the ECMO and Impella combination were also noted. Impella was not shown to offer a statistically significant clinical benefit compared with IABP in conjunction with ECMO. Clinicians should be aware of the specific complications of using Impella.

BackgroundClinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock remain poor with high in‐hospital mortality. Veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) has been widely used for patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock refractory to conservative therapy, which is likely fatal without mechanical circulatory support. However, whether additional intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) use during VA‐ECMO support improves clinical outcomes remains controversial. This study sought to investigate prognostic impact of the combined VA‐ECMO plus IABP treatment compared with VA‐ECMO alone.Methods and ResultsFrom the nationwide Japanese administrative case‐mix Diagnostic Procedure Combination (DPC), the JROAD (Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases)–DPC, we identified 3815 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and managed with VA‐ECMO. Of these, 2964 patients (77.7%) were managed with IABP (VA‐ECMO plus IABP), whereas 851 (22.3%) were managed without IABP (VA‐ECMO alone). We compared in‐hospital, 7‐day, and 30‐day mortality between the VA‐ECMO plus IABP versus the VA‐ECMO alone support. Patients managed with VA‐ECMO plus IABP demonstrated significantly lower in‐hospital, 7‐day, and 30‐day mortality than those managed with VA‐ECMO alone (adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] of 0.47 [95% CI, 0.38–0.59], 0.41 [95% CI, 0.33–0.51], and 0.30 [95% CI, 0.25–0.37], respectively). The findings were consistent in the propensity matching and inverse probability of treatment‐weighting models.ConclusionsThis large‐scale, nationwide study demonstrated that the combination of VA‐ECMO plus IABP support was associated with significantly lower mortality compared with VA‐ECMO support alone in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.