Use Of Extracorporeal Life Support Research Articles

Lessons Learned From Extracorporeal Life Support Practice and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being used to support patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consensus guidance recommended extracorporeal life support for patients with COVID-19-related cardiopulmonary disease refractory to optimal conventional therapy, prompting a substantial expansion in the use of this support modality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly integral to the bridging of COVID-19 patients to heart or lung transplantation. Limited human and physical resources precluded widespread utilization of mechanical support during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating careful patient selection and optimal management by expert healthcare teams for judicious extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. This review outlines the evidence supporting the use of extracorporeal life support in COVID-19, describes the practice and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-related respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, and proposes lessons learned for the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation in future public health emergencies.

ISHLT consensus statement on the perioperative use of ECLS in lung transplantation: Part II: Intraoperative considerations.

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) throughout the perioperative phase of lung transplantation requires nuanced planning and execution by an integrated team of multidisciplinary experts. To date, no multidisciplinary consensus document has examined the perioperative considerations of how to best manage these patients.To address thischallenge, this perioperative utilization of ECLS in lung transplantation consensus statement was approved for development by the International Society for Heart and Lung TransplantationStandards and Guidelines Committee.International experts across multiple disciplines, including cardiothoracic surgery, anesthesiology, critical care, pediatric pulmonology, adult pulmonology, pharmacy, psychology, physical therapy, nursing, and perfusion, were selected based on expertise and divided into subgroups examining the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods.Following a comprehensive literature review, each subgroup developed recommendations to examine via a structured Delphi methodology. Following 2 rounds of Delphi consensus, a total of 39 recommendations regarding intraoperative considerations for ECLS in lung transplantation met consensus criteria.These recommendations focus on the planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of ECLS throughout the entire intraoperative period.

Extracorporeal life support for severe leptospirosis: Case series and narrative review

Introduction: Leptospirosis can be associated with multi-system organ failure (MSOF) and significant morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been used as salvage therapy for severe leptospirosis complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Current knowledge in this field is limited, with no standardized treatment approaches. We aim to describe the literature to date on the use of ECLS in patients with leptospirosis, highlighting associations, outcomes, and complications. Methods: We report on the successful use of ECLS in two cases of severe leptospirosis and conduct a narrative review of the literature. Using a search strategy developed in consultation with a medical librarian and validated across pre-selected articles, several databases were searched. We included case reports, case series, cohort studies, and prospective studies of adult patients with confirmed leptospirosis undergoing ECLS. Editorials, surveys, or opinion articles without primary patient data were excluded. Overall mortality was our primary outcome. Results: Two cases of previously healthy males presenting with ARDS due to leptospiral infection are described. Literature review identified 25 articles containing 43 reported cases of patients treated with ECLS for severe leptospirosis. Patients were mostly young and male. Overall mortality was 16%. The most common complication recognized was acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. Additional complications included diffuse intravascular coagulation, necrotizing pancreatitis, and limb ischemia. Conclusion: Leptospirosis should be considered in patients with epidemiologic exposure(s) presenting with critical illness, including ARDS and MSOF. ECLS is a viable rescue strategy in severe leptospirosis, even with established MSOF.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling in Critically Ill Children Receiving Anakinra While on Extracorporeal Life Support.

Because of the pathophysiological changes associated with critical illness and the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) such as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the pharmacokinetics of drugs are often altered. The objective of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for anakinra in children that accounts for the physiological changes associated with critical illness and ECLS technology to guide appropriate pharmacotherapy. A PBPK model for anakinra was first developed in healthy individuals prior to extrapolating to critically ill children receiving ECLS. To account for the impact of anakinra clearance by the dialysis circuit, a CRRT compartment was added to the pediatric PBPK model and parameterized using data from a previously published ex-vivo study. Additionally, an ECMO compartment was added to the whole-body structure to create the final anakinra ECLS-PBPK model. The final model structure was validated by comparing predicted concentrations with observed patient data. Due to limited information in guiding anakinra dosing in this population, in-silico dose simulations were conducted to provide baseline recommendations. By accounting for changes in physiology and the addition of ECLS compartments, the final ECLS-PBPK model predicted the observed plasma concentrations in an adolescent receiving subcutaneous anakinra. Furthermore, dosing simulations suggest that anakinra exposure in adolescents receiving ECLS is similar to that in healthy counterparts. The anakinra ECLS-PBPK model developed in this study is the first to predict plasma concentrations in a population receiving simultaneous CRRT and ECMO. Dosing simulations provided may be used to inform anakinra use in critically ill children and guide future clinical trial planning.

Extracorporeal life support use in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A single center case series.

Preterm pediatric patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represent a subgroup previously deemed high risk candidates for ECLS (extracorporeal life support) due to suspected high mortality or increased post ECLS morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes for patients with an established history of BPD who subsequently required ECLS. A single center retrospective review was performed between 01/2010-06/2022 for patients less than 2years of age, born prematurely (<32weeks) with a subsequent diagnosis of BPD, and who required ECLS for respiratory failure. Demographic and clinical data, including ECLS data, were collected. Speech, language, feeding/swallowing, cognitive, hearing, vision, or motor function deficits were obtained with a median follow up of 42months following discharge. Nineteen patients met criteria. The median birth weight and gestational age was 0.86kg (IQR 0.73, 1.0) and 26weeks (IQR 25, 27), respectively. The median chronological age at cannulation was 12.1months. The most common etiologies for respiratory failure requiring ECLS were viral (68.4%) and bacterial (21.1%) pneumonia. Survival to decannulation was 78.9% (15/19) and survival to hospital discharge was 63.2% (12/19). Amongst survivors to discharge, 42% (5/12) required new or additional home oxygen and 50% (6/12) were noted to have neurodevelopmental/behavioral concerns on follow up at 1year with 25% (3/12) with concerns beyond a year. Patients with underlying BPD who require ECLS have comparable mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes to non-BPD patients with respiratory failure. This information can be useful when considering ECLS candidacy and providing family counseling.

Extracorporeal life support after surgical repair for acute type a aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients after surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) has not been well documented. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of ECLS after surgery for ATAAD with data published by October 2023 in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023479955). Twelve observational studies met our eligibility criteria, including 280 patients. Mean age was 55.0 years and women represented 25.3% of the overall population. Although the mean preoperative left ventricle ejection fraction was 59.8%, 60.8% of patients developed left ventricle failure and 34.0% developed biventricular failure. Coronary involvement and malperfusion were found in 37.1% and 25.6%, respectively. Concomitant coronary bypass surgery was performed in 38.5% of patients. Regarding ECLS, retrograde flow (femoral) was present in 39.9% and central cannulation was present in 35.4%. In-hospital mortality was 62.8% and pooled estimate of successful weaning was 50.8%. Neurological complications, bleeding and renal failure were found in 25.9%, 38.7%, and 65.5%, respectively. ECLS after surgical repair for ATAAD remains associated with high rates of in-hospital death and complications, but it still represents a chance of survival in critical situations. ECLS remains a salvage attempt and surgeons should not try to avoid ECLS at all costs after repairing an ATAAD case.

The Year in Cardiothoracic Transplant Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2022 Part I: Lung Transplantation

These highlights focus on the research in lung transplantation (LTX) that has been published in the year 2022 and includes the assessment and optimization of candidates for LTX, donor optimization, the use of organs from donation after circulatory death (DCD), and outcomes when using marginal or novel donors, recipient factors affecting LTX, including age, disease, the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), and special situations, such as COVID-19, pediatric LTX, and retransplantation. The remainder of the article focuses on the perioperative management of LTX, including the perioperative risk factors for acute renal failure (AKI), and the incidence and management of phrenic nerve injury, delirium, and pain and the postoperative management of hyperammonemia, early postoperative infections, and the use of donor-derived cell-free deoxynucleic acid (DNA) to detect rejection.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in metastatic choriocarcinoma during systemic chemotherapy: Case report

Rationale: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasms are rare and include multiple different types of tumors such as hydatidiform moles, placental site trophoblastic tumors, and choriocarcinoma. Metastatic choriocarcinoma is well described with an excellent prognosis when treated appropriately with chemotherapy. The most common location for metastatic disease is the lungs which can unfortunately lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the most severe cases. Patient concerns: Metastatic cancer has historically been a contraindication for the use of extracorporeal life support (including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]). With advancing technology and medicine, this contraindication has been called into question. Prior case reports describe the use of ECMO in complicated cases of metastatic cancer and even choriocarcinoma with lung metastasis and refractory ARDS. Diagnoses: We describe a case in which a patient with choriocarcinoma in viable pregnancy developed lung metastasis and ARDS. Interventions: The patient was managed with venovenous ECMO successfully. Outcomes: The patient was cannulated for VV-ECMO for 14 days with subsequent full pulmonary recovery. Lessons: The purpose of this work is to help providers understand the broad utility of ECMO and the need to assess candidacy for this therapy on a case by case basis, even in the setting of metastatic cancer.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Life Support Use in Acute Pulmonary Embolism Shows Favorable Outcomes

BackgroundDifferences in outcomes by indication for venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) are poorly described. We hypothesized that patients on VA-ECLS for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) have fewer complications and better survival than patients on VA-ECLS for other indications. MethodsAll patients ≥18 years on VA-ECLS from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization global registry (2010-2019) were evaluated (n = 29,842). After excluding patients aged >79 years (n = 729) and those with incomplete indication data (n = 2530), patients were stratified by VA-ECLS indication for PE vs all other indications. The association between being discharged alive and each type of complication with VA-ECLS indication was assessed. ResultsOf 26,583 patients included in the analysis, 978 (3.7%) were on VA-ECLS for a primary diagnosis of acute PE. Acute PE patients were younger (53.1 vs 56.7 years, P < .001) and were more likely to be women (52.1% vs 32.3%, P < .001). Patients who underwent VA-ECLS for acute PE were 78% more likely to be discharged alive vs patients supported with VA-ECLS for other reasons (52.8% vs 40.4%; P < .001). Acute PE patients had fewer cardiovascular and renal complications (26.6% vs 38.0% and 31.1% vs 39.4%, respectively; adjusted P < .001). Acute PE patients had higher odds of having clots and mechanical complications (8.7% vs 7.9% and 16.7% vs 14.6%, respectively; adjusted P < .001). ConclusionsPatients undergoing VA-ECLS for acute PE have higher odds of survival to hospital discharge compared with those supported for other indications. Additionally, VA-ECLS in this population is associated with fewer cardiovascular and renal complications but higher mechanical complications.

Routine use of extracorporeal life support in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: the jury is still out.

Routine use of extracorporeal life support in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: the jury is still out.

Role of ECLS in Managing Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture.

The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for ventricular septal rupture (VSR) after myocardial infarction (MI) and the preoperative use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to surgery. We included patients undergoing surgery for VSR from January 2009 until June 2021 from two centers in Germany. Patients were separated into two groups, those with and without ECLS, before surgery. Pre- and intraoperative data, outcome, and survival during follow-up were evaluated. A total of 47 consecutive patients were included. Twenty-five patients were in the ECLS group, and 22 were in the group without ECLS. All the ECLS-group patients were in cardiogenic shock preoperatively. Most patients in the ECLS group were transferred from another hospital [n = 21 (84%) vs. no-ECLS (n = 12 (57.1%), p = 0.05]. We observed a higher number of postoperative bleeding complications favoring the group without ECLS [n = 6 (28.6%) vs. n = 16 (64%), p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the persistence of residual ventricular septal defect (VSD) between groups [ECLS n = 4 (16.7%) and no-ECLS n = 3 (13.6%)], p = 1.0. Total in-hospital mortality was 38.3%. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality [n = 6 (27.3%) vs. n = 12 (48%), p = 0.11] and survival at last follow-up between the groups (p = 0.50). We detected no statistical difference in the in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients who received ECLS as supportive therapy after MI-induced VSR compared to those without ECLS. ECLS could be an effective procedure applied as a bridge to surgery in patients with VSR and cardiogenic shock.

Extracorporeal life support use in limited lung function: a narrative review.

In thoracic surgery, different modalities of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can be used for cardiorespiratory support in complex scenarios. Decades of learning in clinical practice and physiology associated with technological development led to a great variety of ECLS technologies available. Thoracic surgery procedures with difficult or impossible single lung ventilation may still be performed using different ECLS modalities. The aim of this review is to describe the use of ECLS, with its different modalities, as a solution to perform complex surgeries in a patient with difficult or impossible single lung ventilation. A literature review was conducted using the terms "extracorporeal life support pulmonary resection" and "extracorporeal life support thoracic surgery", and articles were selected according to defined criteria. To support lung function during thoracic surgery, the most efficient and popular variety of ECLS is venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Lung resection on a single lung after pneumonectomy, surgery in a patient with severe hypercapnia and/or low respiratory reserve, carinal and airway surgery, and severe thoracic trauma are the main examples of situations where ECLS may be the solution to provide a safe surgical environment in patients who cannot tolerate single lung ventilation. Multidisciplinarity, selection of patients and careful surgical planning are cornerstones in defining the situations that may benefit from ECLS support. Knowledge on techniques of ECLS are essential for every thoracic surgeon. Although rarely used, these techniques of cardiorespiratory support should be considered when planning complex cases with difficulties in ventilation and emergent situations.

Right tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy with VV-ECMO assistance for non-small cell lung cancer through anterior thoracotomy: a single centre experience.

For a long time, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) arising less than 2 cm distal to the carina has been usually considered unresectable and incurable with a radical or extended resection because of surgical technical difficulty and airway management. Recently, the introduction of more advanced surgical techniques, often including the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), has allowed us to extend the limits of conventional surgery, increasing the rate of complete surgical resection. ECLS also overcomes the limitation of conventional ventilation during complex tracheo-bronchial reconstruction, avoiding the presence of disturbing lines or tubes that obstruct the operative field during a challenging surgery. In this article, we share our experience in performing right tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in three cases by anterior right thoracotomy, reporting our tips and tricks.

Device updates in pediatric and neonatal ECMO

Since the early use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), new innovations and technological advancements have augmented the ability to use this technology in children and neonates. Cannulae have been re-designed to maintain structure and allow for single cannula venovenous (VV) ECLS in smaller patients. Circuit technology, including pumps and tubing, has evolved to permit smaller priming volumes and lower flow rates with fewer thrombotic or hemolytic complications. New oxygenator developments also improve efficiency of gas exchange. This paper serves as an overview of recent device developments in ECLS delivery to pediatric and neonatal patients.

Extracorporeal life support in thoracic emergencies-a narrative review of current evidence.

Resuscitative therapies for respiratory and cardiac failure are lifesaving and extended by using extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as mechanical circulatory support (MSC). This review informs the debate to identify the life-threatening thoracic emergencies in which patients may be cannulated for ECLS support. An advanced search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and references query, assessed in June 2022, identified 761 records. Among them, 74 publications in English were included in the current narrative review. ECLS is an additional tool for organ support in life-threatening thoracic emergencies. It provides bridging to recovery or to decision about destination as definitive therapy, intervention, or surgery. Non-traumatic emergencies include mediastinal mass, acute lung injury (ALI), aspiration, embolisms, acute and chronic heart failure. However, based on the current evidence, trauma, and especially blunt thoracic trauma, is one of the main indications for ECLS use in thoracic emergencies, among others in chest wall fractures, blunt and penetrating lung injuries. ECLS use is always individualized to patient's needs, injury pattern and kind of organ failure, circulatory arrest inclusive, depending on if respiratory or cardiac and circulatory support is needed. Further, ECLS offers the possibility for fast volume resuscitation and rewarming, thus preventing the lethal of trauma: hypothermia, hypoperfusion and acidosis. Anticoagulation may be omitted for some hours or days. Interdisciplinary cooperation between the intensivists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, emergency medical services, an appropriately organized and trained staff, equipment resources and logistical planning are essential for successful outcomes. ECLS use in selected life-threatening thoracic emergencies is increasing. The summarized findings appeal to policymakers, and we hope that our summary of recommendations may impact clinical practice and research.

Current use of extracorporeal life support in airway surgery: a narrative review.

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is widely used in patients with severe respiratory or cardiocirculatory failure. The most commonly used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) modes are veno-venous (V-V) and veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO, which can both be achieved by various types of vascular cannulation. Within the scope of tracheobronchial surgery, intraoperative ECLS may occasionally be necessary to provide sufficient oxygenation to a patient throughout a procedure, especially when conventional ventilation strategies are limited. Additionally, V-A ECMO can provide cardiopulmonary support in emergencies and in cases where hemodynamic instability can occur. This narrative literature review was carried out to identify the use and the specifics of ECLS in airway surgery over the last years. Data from 168 cases were summarized according to the indication for surgery and the mode of ECLS (V-V, V-A). The most common tracheobronchial pathologies in which support was needed were: primary malignant disease of the airways, malignant infiltration, tracheal stenosis, injury of the airway, and congenital airway disease. With increasing experience in ECLS, the number of reported cases performed with intraoperative ECLS increased steadily over the last decade. A trend favoring the use of V-V ECMO over V-A ECMO was identified. These approaches should now be considered indispensable tools for managing challenging surgical cases.

Successful use of extracorporeal life support and hemadsorption in the context of venlafaxine intoxication requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report

Venlafaxine is a serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor prescribed as an antidepressant. Overdose clinically manifests with neurological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal abnormalities based on, amongst others, serotonin syndrome and can be life-threatening due to cardiovascular collapse. Besides immediate decontamination via gastric lavage and inhibition of enteral absorption through active charcoal, successful hemadsorption with CytoSorb® has been reported. We present the case of a 17-year-old female who required extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for cardiovascular collapse as a result of life-threatening venlafaxine intoxication. Serial serum blood concentrations of venlafaxine/desmethylvenlafaxine on admission at a tertiary hospital (approx. 24 h after ingestion) and subsequently 6 h and 18 h thereafter, as well as on days 2 and 4, were measured. CytoSorb® was initiated 6 h after admission and changed three times over 72 h. The initial blood concentration of venlafaxine/desmethylvenlafaxine was 53.52 µmol/l. After 6 h, it declined to 30.7 µmol/l and CytoSorb® was initiated at this point. After 12 h of hemadsorption, the blood level decreased to 9.6 µmol/l. On day 2, it was down to 7.17 µmol/l and decreased further to 3.74 µmol/l. Additional continuous renal replacement therapy using CVVHD was implemented on day 5. The combination of hemadsorption, besides traditional decontamination strategies along maximal organ supportive therapy with ECLS, resulted in the intact neurological survival of the highest venlafaxine intoxication reported in the literature to date. Hemadsorption with CytoSorb® might help to reduce blood serum levels of venlafaxine. Swift clearance of toxic blood levels may support cardiovascular recovery after life-threatening intoxications.

Association Between Early Prostacyclin Therapy and Extracorporeal Life Support Use in Patients With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a therapeutic option to treat congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-associated pulmonary hypertension in neonates. Its use may decrease the need for extracorporeal life support (ECLS). To evaluate the association of early PGI2 therapy with ECLS use and outcomes among patients with CDH. This was a cohort study from the CDH Study Group (CDHSG) registry of patients born from January 2007 to December 2019. Patients were from 88 different tertiary pediatric referral centers worldwide that contributed data to the CDHSG. Patients were included in the study if they were admitted within the first week of life. Propensity score matching was performed using estimated gestational age, birth weight, transfer status, 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores, highest and lowest partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide in the first 24 hours of life, and degree of pulmonary hypertension as covariates to generate a matched cohort of exposed and unexposed patients. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to December 2022. Early PGI2 therapy was defined as initiation of PGI2 within the first week of life. Patients who received ECLS were included in the early PGI2 group if PGI2 was started prior to ECLS. The primary outcome of the study was the proportion of patients receiving ECLS in the exposed and unexposed groups. Of 6227 patients who met inclusion criteria (mean [SD] gestational age, 37.4 [2.36] weeks; 2618 [42%] female), 206 (3.3%) received early PGI2 therapy. ECLS was used in 46 of 206 patients who received PGI2 (22.2%) and 1682 of 6021 who did not (27.9%). After propensity score matching, there were 147 patients in the treatment and control groups. Thirty-four patients who received PGI2 (23.3%) and 63 who did not (42.9%) received ECLS. Those who received PGI2 were less likely to receive ECLS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.68) and had shorter mean (SD) duration of ECLS (8.6 [3.73] days vs 12.6 [6.61] days; P < .001), although there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality. In this study, there was decreased use of ECLS and decreased ECLS duration among patients with CDH who started PGI2 therapy during the first week of life. These results identify a potential advantage of early prostacyclin therapy in this population.

Inhaled Nitric Oxide Utilization in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Treated With Extracorporeal Life Support: A Propensity Score Analysis.

Although used commonly, ability of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to improve outcomes in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who receive extracorporeal life support (ECLS) remains controversial. We sought to determine the association between pre-ECLS use of iNO and mortality in infants with CDH from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry. Neonates who underwent ECLS for CDH were identified from the ELSO Registry from 2009 to 2019. Patients were categorized into those treated with iNO versus not prior to initiating ECLS. Patients were then matched 1:1 for case-mix based on pre-ECLS covariates using the propensity score (PS) for iNO treatment. The matched groups were compared for mortality. The matched cohorts were also compared for ELSO-defined systems-based complications as secondary outcomes. There were a total of 3,041 infants with an overall mortality of 52.2% and a pre-ECLS iNO use rate of 84.8%. With 1:1 matching, there were 461 infants with iNO use and 461 without iNO use. Following matching, use of iNO was not associated with a difference in mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.805; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.621-1.042; p = 0.114). Results were similar in unadjusted analyses, and after controlling for covariates in the full cohort of patients and in the 1:1 matched data. Patients receiving iNO had significantly higher odds of renal complications (OR = 1.516; 95% CI, 1.141-2.014; p = 0.004), but no other significant differences were observed among secondary outcomes. ECLS use of iNO in CDH patients was not associated with a difference in mortality. Future randomized controlled studies are needed to delineate the utility of iNO in CDH patients.

Does extracorporeal life support influence outcome after surgical management of post infarct ventricular septal rupture? A monocenter retrospective study.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. Extra corporeal life support (ECLS) use in the preoperative setting allows hemodynamic stabilization for a delayed surgery. We aimed to assess the role of ECLS in the preoperative period of post infarction VSR surgery. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients operated for VSR between January 2007 and August 2019. We assessed baseline characteristics, pre and post-operative clinical status and the use of ECLS in the peri-operative period. A total of 39 patients were included. Mean age was 69.8 years. In-hospital mortality was 48.7%. Survivors and non-survivor patients had similar characteristics except for lower postoperative ejection fraction (32% vs. 42%, P=0.02) and more acute renal failure (71.4% vs. 10%, P=0.0005) in the non-survivor group. Patients who received ECLS preoperatively were younger (72 vs. 65, P=0.02) and had more preoperative invasive ventilation (16% vs. 50%, P=0.04). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, 140 min vs. 75 min, P=0.0008) and cross clamping times (94 min vs. 52 min, P=0.0026) were significantly higher in the ECLS group. There were more bleeding complications in the ECMO group (45.4% vs. 0%, P=0.0019) and more need for reintervention (63.3% vs. 13%, P=0.015). There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. There was no difference in postoperative characteristics between urgent and delayed surgery. In our study, post-operative ECLS use was associated with more bleeding complications and need for reintervention. Although mortality was similar, bleeding complications remain a major limitation for the systematic use of ECLS in the post-operative period.