Intraoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Research Articles

Association of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Change With Post-Lung Transplantation Survival: Retrospective Analysis of China Registry.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as intraoperative hemodynamic support in patients with end-stage lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension undergoing lung transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to identify the association of pulmonary artery pressure change during ECMO and post-LT survival. The study investigators collected and analyzed the data from Chinese Lung Transplantation Registry. Patients who have severe pulmonary hypertension with intraoperative ECMO support were enrolled. Post-LT mortality and morbidity were further collected and compared. A total of 208 recipients were included in the study, during which 53 deaths occurred post-LT. All the patients had severe pulmonary hypertension and were supported by intraoperative ECMO. Using eXtreme Gradient Boosting, or XGboost, model method, 20 variables were selected and ranked. Changes of mean pulmonary artery pressure at the time of ECMO support and ECMO wean-off (ΔmPAP) were related to post-LT survival, after adjusting for potential confounders (recipient age, New York Heart Association functional class status before LT, body mass index, pre-LT hypertension, pre-LT steroids, and pre-LT ECMO bridging). A nonlinear relationship was detected between ΔmPAP and post-LT survival, which had an inflection point of 35mmHg. Recipients with ΔmPAP ≦35 mmHg had higher mortality rate calculated through the Kaplan-Meier estimator (P = 0.041). Interaction analysis showed that recipients admitted in LT center with high case volume (≥50 cases/year) and ΔmPAP >35mmHg had better long-term survival. The trend was reversed in recipients who were admitted in LT center with low case volume (<50 cases/year). The relationship between ΔmPAP and post-LT survival was nonlinear. Optimal perioperative ECMO management strategy with experienced team is further warranted.

Experience with intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation: intraoperative indicators

Background/Aim: Intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being used with increasing frequency in lung transplantation. However, the factors associated with the use of intraoperative ECMO in lung transplant patients are not yet conclusive. In this study, we aimed to determine the effective factors for providing intraoperative ECMO support in patients undergoing lung transplantation. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ECMO support on morbidity and mortality. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study evaluating lung transplant patients, patients were divided into two groups: those who received intraoperative ECMO support and those who did not. Demographic data, the lung allocation score (LAS) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), intraoperative data, postoperative complications, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care and hospital, and mortality rates were recorded for both groups. Factors affecting entry to ECMO were analyzed by Multivariate Logistic Regression. Results: In this period, 51.9% of 87 patients who underwent lung transplantation required intraoperative ECMO. The mean age, LAS, and PAP of the ECMO group were significantly higher than the non-ECMO group (P = 0.043, P = 0.007, and P = 0.007, respectively). In multivariate analysis, it was found that lower MAP averages were a predictive parameter in intraoperative ECMO requirements (OR: 1.091; CI: 1.009-1.179; P = 0.028). The ECMO group’s mechanical ventilation time and hospital mortality were significantly higher than the other group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: Preoperative indicators of intraoperative ECMO support were determined as age, LAS, and PAP elevation. In addition, low MAP levels and high lactate levels were always determined as intraoperative indicators in lung transplantation until the transition to ECMO support.

Delayed sternal closure for intractable bleeding after acute type A aortic dissection repair: outcomes and risk factors analyses

BackgroundPerioperative coagulopathy and intractable bleeding are severe complications in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair surgery. Mediastinal packing with delayed sternal closure (DSC) is a commonly adapted technique to stabilize the hemorrhagic tendency. This retrospective study aims to investigate the early and late outcomes and risk factors in patients who underwent DSC procedure during ATAAD repair surgery.MethodsThis study investigated 704 consecutive patients who underwent ATAAD repair at this institution between January 2007 and September 2020. These patients were dichotomized into the DSC (n = 109; 15.5%) and primary sternal closure (PSC) groups (n = 595; 84.5%). The clinical features, surgical information, postoperative complications, 5-years cumulative survival, and freedom from reoperation rates were compared. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for patients who underwent DSC.ResultsThe DSC group showed a higher rate of hemopericardium and preoperative malperfusion, and was associated with longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times and a higher rate of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The DSC group showed higher blood transfusion volumes and rate of reexploration for bleeding after surgery. However, the in-hospital mortality rates (17.4% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.249), 5-year survival rates (66.9% vs. 68.2%; P = 0.635), and freedom from reoperation rates (89.1% vs. 82.5%; P = 0.344) were comparable between the DSC and PSC groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that hemopericardium, preoperative malperfusion, and intraoperative ECMO support were risk factors for implementing DSC.ConclusionsDSC is an efficient life-saving technique to stabilize patients with intractable bleeding after undergoing ATAAD repair surgery, which leads to acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. Patients who were at risk for intractable bleeding should have early decision-making for implementing DSC.

The role of intraoperative pulmonary arterial catheterization data in determining the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation.

Background This study aims to investigate predictive factors of identification of the need of patients for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during lung transplantation. Methods A total of 63 patients (49 males, 14 females, mean age: 44.9±14.4 years; range, 14 to 64 years) who underwent lung transplantation in our institution between December 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics and perioperative clinical data of patients were recorded. After induction and pulmonary artery catheterization, cardiac output, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, systemic vascular resistance, and right atrial pressure were measured using the thermodilution technique. Results Thirty-three of the patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during surgery. The right atrial pressure (p<0.001), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (p<0.002), mean pulmonary artery pressure (p<0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (p<0.001) were statistically significantly higher in the patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support intraoperatively. The systemic vascular resistance (p<0.032) was statistically significantly lower in the patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support intraoperatively. A mean pulmonary artery pressure of >39 mmHg (p<0.02) and a right atrial pressure of >12 mmHg (p<0.047) were independent risk factors for ECMO support intraoperatively during lung transplantation. Conclusion Predicting the need of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is of utmost importance in timing the need for mechanical support, protecting the new graft from high mechanical ventilator pressures, and adequately maintaining hemodynamic stability.

Risk factors analysis for 1-year postoperative survival of patients with benign end-stage lung diseases after lung transplantation

To investigate the main postoperative complications, causes of death and the risk factors for survival in patient with benign end-stage lung diseases within 1 year after lung transplantation. A retrospective analysis was conducted to collect the clinical data of 200 patients with benign end-stage lung disease who underwent lung transplantation admitted to Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from May 2017 to October 2018. The main postoperative complications, survival and causes of death within 1 year after operation were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and the Log-Rank test was used to compare the influence of factors, including recipient's gender, use of marginal donor lung, primary disease, preoperative combination of moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PAH), intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, surgical methods, intraoperative massive blood loss, postoperative complications [infection, primary graft dysfunction (PGD), acute rejection], on 1-year survival in patients who underwent lung transplantation. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the risk factors of death within 1 year after lung transplantation. Two hundred patients underwent successful lung transplantation. The major postoperative complications within 1 year after transplantation included infection in 131 patients, PGD in 20 patients, acute rejection in 57 patients, anastomotic complication in 26 patients and others (new onset diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.) in 53 patients. The 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative cumulative survival rates were 81.5%, 80.0% and 77.5%, respectively. Forty-five patients died during 1 year after operation, among whom 14 died of infection, 7 died of PGD, 8 died of acute rejection, 4 died of anastomotic complication, 3 died of cardio-cerebrovascular accident, 3 died of multiple organ failure, 2 died of respiratory failure and 4 died of other causes (traffic accident, etc.). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that recipient's gender, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as the primary disease, preoperative combination of moderate and severe PAH, intraoperative ECMO support, intraoperative massive blood loss, postoperative complications (infection, PGD, acute rejection) were influencing factors for postoperative 1-year survival rate. The multivariate Cox regression model showed that male was the protective factor [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.481, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.244-0.947, P = 0.034], IPF as the primary disease (HR = 2.667, 95%CI was 1.222-5.848, P = 0.014), intraoperative use of ECMO support (HR = 1.538, 95%CI was 0.787-3.012, P = 0.028), massive blood loss during surgery (HR = 2.026, 95%CI was 0.976-4.205, P = 0.045) and postoperative infection (HR = 3.138, 95%CI was 1.294-7.608, P = 0.011), PGD (HR = 1.604, 95%CI was 0.464-5.539, P = 0.004), and acute rejection (HR = 1.897, 95%CI was 0.791-4.552, P = 0.015) were the independent risk factors for death within 1 year after transplantation. One-year survival rates after lung transplantation are affected by recipient's gender, primary disease, preoperative combination of moderate and severe PAH, intraoperative ECMO support, intraoperative massive blood loss, and postoperative complications (infection, PGD, acute rejection). The male is the protective factor, while IPF as the primary disease, intraoperative ECMO support, massive blood loss during surgery and postoperative complications (infection, PGD, acute rejection) are independent risk factors for death within 1 year after lung transplantation.

A comparison of cardiopulmonary bypass versus extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Does intraoperative circulatory support strategy affect outcomes in pediatric lung transplantation?

Data on adult lung transplantation suggest perioperative benefits of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) compared to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Information regarding their pediatric counterparts, however, is limited. This study compares outcomes of intraoperative ECMO versus CPB in pediatric lung transplantation. We reviewed all pediatric lung transplants at our institution from 2014 to 2019 and compared those supported intraoperatively on ECMO (n=13) versus CPB (n=22), plus a conditional analysis excluding re-transplantations (ECMO [n=13] versus CPB [n=20]). We evaluated survival, surgical times, intraoperative transfusions, postoperative support, complications, and duration of hospitalization. Total time on ECMO support was significantly less than that of CPB support (P=.018). Intraoperatively, the ECMO group required fewer transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma (8.9 [5.8-22.3] vs 16.6 [11.4-39.0] mL/kg, P=.049) and platelets (4.2 [0.0-6.7] vs 8.0 [3.5-14.0] mL/kg, P=.049). When excluding re-transplantations, patients on ECMO required fewer packed red blood cells intraoperatively (12.6 [2.1-30.7] vs 28.2 [14.0-54.0] mL/kg, P=.048). There were no differences in postoperative support requirements, complications, or mortality at one, six, and twelve months. Intraoperative ECMO support during pediatric lung transplantation appears to decrease intraoperative transfusion requirements when compared to CPB. Data from additional institutions may strengthen these observations.

Unplanned Intraoperative ECMO Support during Double Lung Transplantation: Risk-Factors and Outcome Analysis

Purpose The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technical option to support cardiorespiratory function during double lung transplantation (DLT). To date, intraoperative ECMO support during DLT seems to give excellent results when planned and used prophylactically, on the other hand the need to use an emergency unplanned ECMO support seems to increase significantly the postoperative morbidity and mortality. The primary endpoint of our study was to search for any factors that could significantly influence the risk of unplanned intraoperative ECMO support. The perioperative and one-year outcome analysis of patients who underwent unplanned ECMO were the secondary endpoints. Methods Records of 95 patients who underwent DLT at our institution between January 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent lung transplantation with elective intraoperative cardio-circulatory support were excluded from the study. Patients who underwent DLT with unplanned intraoperative ECMO (50 patients, Group A) were compared with no ECMO patients (45 patients, Group B). Results Group A patients showed more preoperative pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), NYHA class>3, low cardiac-index, higher lactate and dose of inotropes during anesthesia induction. Group A more frequently received donors with higher PCO2 and with cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic cause of death. After regression analyses PAH (OR7.42), PaCO2 of donors (OR6.29) were the major risk factors for unplanned ECMO. The postoperative period was more complicated for patients requiring intraoperative ECMO. The failure to wean from ECMO at the end of surgery further increase the risk of post-operative morbidity (OR8.43) and mortality (OR4.21). Group A showed a higher in-hospital mortality (24%vs7%, p Conclusion The PAH and a higher PaCO2 of the donor were risk factors for unplanned ECMO. These results support the hypothesis that resolving critical intraoperative events by an unplanned ECMO does allow the intervention to be completed but then is reflected in a worse outcome, in particular after weaning failure at the end of surgery. Identifying a preoperative risk profile could be useful to use prophylactic ECMO and thus avoid the establishment of critical intraoperative events.

Surgical outcomes analysis in patients with uncomplicated acute type A aortic dissection: a 13-year institutional experience

This retrospective study aimed to clarify the short-term and mid-term outcomes of and prognostic factors for patients who underwent surgical repair for uncomplicated acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Between January 2007 and June 2019, 603 consecutive patients underwent ATAAD repair at our institution. According to patients’ preoperative presentations and imaging studies, uncomplicated ATAAD was found in 276 (45.8%) patients by excluding preoperative complicated factors. Patients with uncomplicated ATAAD were classified into the survivor (n = 243) and non-survivor (n = 33) groups. Clinical features, surgical information, and postoperative complications were compared. Three-year survival and freedom from reoperation rates for survivors were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier actuarial method. The in-hospital surgical mortality rate of uncomplicated ATAAD patients was 11.9%. The non-survivor group had a higher rate of postoperative malperfusion-related complications, and a multivariate analysis revealed that repeat surgery, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support were predictors of in-hospital mortality. In the survivor group, 3-year cumulative survival and freedom from aortic reoperation rates were 89.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.8–92.9%) and 83.1% (95% CI 76.8–87.7%), respectively. In conclusion, uncomplicated and complicated ATAAD rates were similar; the short-term and mid-term surgical outcomes in patients with uncomplicated ATAAD were generally acceptable.

Intraoperative Extracorporeal Circulatory Support in Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established technique for intraoperative cardiopulmonary support in patients undergoing lung transplantation. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis have a higher risk to require it. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the need of intraoperative ECMO use. Records of patients undergoing lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis at our institution between January 2010 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used for statistical identification of risk factors. There were 105 patients (34%) who required intraoperative ECMO support (ECMO+ group), and 203 (66%) did not (ECMO- group). Preoperative proof of pulmonary hypertension was identified as a risk factor for intraoperative ECMO support (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-6.5; P < .01). Revealed mean pulmonary arterial pressure values exceeding 50 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance values exceeding 9.4 Wood units were identified as risk factors for the need of intraoperative ECMO use with a prediction probability of 70%. Increased recipient body surface area (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5; P < .01) emerged as a protective factor against intraoperative ECMO (Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic, P= .71) as well as higher cardiac output (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9; P < .01). The postoperative course was more complicated in the ECMO+ group, whereas survival at 5 years did not differ among groups (70% vs 69%, P= .79). Pulmonary hypertension with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance values predicts the need of intraoperative ECMO in patients receiving lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis. Although the postoperative course was more complicated in the ECMO+ group, long-term survival did not differ significantly.

Factors associated with intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during lung transplantation

BackgroundIntraoperative Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being applied as life-support for lung transplantation patients. However, factors associated with this procedure in lung transplantation patients have not yet been characterized. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors of intraoperative ECMO support during lung transplantation and to evaluated the outcome of lung transplantation patients supported with ECMO.MethodsPatients underwent lung transplantation treated with and without ECMO in Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases between January 2015 to August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and clinical variables were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during lung transplantation.ResultsDuring the study period, 138 patients underwent lung transplantation at our institution, the mean LAS was (56.63 ± 18.39) (range, 32.79 to 88.70). Fourty four patients were treated with veno-venous/veno-arterial ECMO. Among the patients, 32 patients wean successfully ECMO after operation, 12 patients remain ECMO after operation, and 32 patients (62.74%) survived to hospital discharge. In multiple analysis, the following factors were associated with intraoperative ECMO support: advanced age, high PAP before operation, duration of mechanical ventilation before operation, a higher APACHE II and primary diagnosis for transplantation. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 12 months were 90.91, 72.73, and 56.81% in the ECMO group, and 95.40, 82.76, and 73.56% in the non-ECMO group, respectively (log-rank P = 0.081). Patients who underwent single lung transplant had a lower survival rates in ECMO group as compared with non-ECMO group at 1, 3, and 12 months (90.47% vs 98.25, 71.43% vs 84.21, and 52.38% vs 75.44%) (log-rank P = 0.048).ConclusionsThe preoperative factors of intraoperative ECMO support during lung transplantation included age, high PAP before operation, preoperative mechanical ventilation, a higher APACHE II and primary diagnosis for transplantation based on multivariate analysis.

Need for and Outcomes of Intraoperative Extracorporeal Circulatory Support in Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Purpose V-a extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been successfully used for intraoperative cardiopulmonary support in patients undergoing lung transplantation. Especially patients with lung fibrosis are at risk to require intraoperative v-a ECMO. Aim of this study was to identify predisposing risk factors for intraoperative ECMO support and postoperative outcomes in this cohort of patients. Methods Patients transplanted for lung fibrosis between January 2010 and May 2018 were included into the study. Patients transplanted on v-a ECMO formed group A, the remaining, group B. Follow-up amounted to a mean of 37±27 months. Multivariate forward and backward logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for ECMO. Results Among the 1042 lung-transplanted patients, 313 (30%) patients underwent bilateral transplantation for lung fibrosis. Five patients were excluded as they received conventional cardiopulmonary support due to different resaons. Among the remaining 308 patients, 109 (35%) patients formed group A, 199 (65%), group B. Presence of pulmonary hypertension (OR 3.1; 95%CI 1.8-5.3, p Conclusion Smaller recipient BSA, pulmonary hypertension with high PVR values and evidence of a dilated and hypertrophic right ventricle can predict the need for intraoperative ECMO in patients transplanted for lung fibrosis. Although the postoperative course was more complicated in group A than B, long-term survival did not differ between groups.

Single-center experience with intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in lung transplantation.

Studies have shown that survival after lung transplantation is impaired if extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is implemented. We investigated the outcome and potential independent risk factors on survival in recipients undergoing lung transplantation with intraoperative ECMO support. Medical records of recipients were retrospectively evaluated (January 2000-December 2014). Retransplantation and bridge to transplantation on ECMO were excluded. Recipients (n = 291) were divided into 2 groups: those who needed intraoperative ECMO support (Group 1, n = 134) and those who did not receive intraoperative ECMO support (Group 2, n = 157). Independent risk factors were identified by a stepwise backward regression analysis. 1-year survival was 84.2% in Group 1 vs. 90.4% in Group 2, and 5-year survival was 52.8% in Group 1 vs. 70.5% in Group 2 (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that recipient age (p = 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p = 0.001) and intraoperative ECMO support (p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for overall survival. The rate of postoperative early surgical complications was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.09). The number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy and experiencing late pulmonary complications was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.02). Our data showed that lung transplantation with intraoperative ECMO support is associated with poor outcomes.

Lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension on intraoperative and postoperatively prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides optimally controlled reperfusion and excellent outcome

OBJECTIVESLung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has the highest reported postoperative mortality of all indications. Reasons lie in the complexity of treatment of these patients and the frequent occurrence of postoperative left ventricular failure. Transplantation on intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support instead of cardiopulmonary bypass and even more the prolongation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation into the postoperative period helps to overcome these problems. We reviewed our experience with this concept.METHODSAll patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension on intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with or without prophylactic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation prolongation into the postoperative period between January 2000 and December 2014 were retrospectively analysed.RESULTSForty-one patients entered the study. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was prolonged into the postoperative period for a median of 2.5 days (range 1–40). Ninety-day, 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates for the patient collective were 92.7%, 90.2%, 87.4% and 87.4%, respectively. When compared with 31 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension transplanted in the same period of time without prolongation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation into the postoperative period, the results compared favourably (83.9%, 77.4%, 77.4%, and 77.4%; P = 0.189). Furthermore, these results are among the best results ever reported for this particularly difficult patient population.CONCLUSIONSBilateral lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with intraoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support seems to provide superior outcome compared with the results reported about the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Prophylactic prolongation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation into the early postoperative period provides stable postoperative conditions and seems to further improve the results.

Management of post-pneumonectomy syndrome using tissue expanders.

Post-pneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare syndrome characterized by trachea-bronchial stenosis and severe dyspnea. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent placement of tissue expanders for PPS. Data from patients who underwent placement of tissue expanders for PPS were analyzed for preoperative characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes. Between 1997 and 2014, a total of 10 patients were treated for PPS by tissue expanders. The median age of the 10 patients was 45 years (range, 16-70). Four patients had undergone right pneumonectomy, three patients had undergone left pneumonectomy, and three patients had post-pneumonectomy-like syndrome. Preoperatively, seven patients initially received high oxygen therapy for hypoxemia but progressed to respiratory failure, and three patients required mechanical ventilator support. Among these three patients, one required intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support because of sudden cardiac arrest during preparation for surgery. The median follow-up was 59.5 months (range, 2-204). The median interval between pneumonectomy and repositioning was 13 months (range, 8-581). Two patients underwent placement of a single tissue expander, and two tissue expanders were placed in eight of the 10 patients. The median volume of tissue expanders inflated with saline was 450 cc (range, 60-850 cc) per tissue expander. There was no perioperative mortality in our study. Complications occurred in four patients (40%). Repositioning of the mediastinum with placement of a saline filled tissue expander for PPS is very effective for the relief of symptoms, with low mortality.

Intraoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as an Alternative to Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Lung Transplantation

Purpose Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used for intraoperative support as an alternative to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during lung transplantation. We sought to evaluate its efficacy. Methods and Materials We reviewed lung transplants with intraoperative support (CPB or ECMO) from 8/09-11/12. Patients were stratified into groups by type of support. Postoperative ECMO utilization, graft and overall survival were compared along with blood product utilization and complications. For comparisons, a 2:1 propensity matched cohort of CPB:ECMO was analyzed. Results 169 patients underwent lung transplantation with mechanical support during the study period (17 ECMO and 152 CPB). Demographic were similar in both groups with higher mean Lung Allocation Score (LAS; 83 vs 56) in the ECMO group. Patients transplanted on ECMO in the overall groups were extubated earlier (0.8 vs 4.8 days; p=0.11) and had significantly decreased rates of respiratory failure post transplantation (29% vs 6%; p=0.04) with similar trends in the propensity matched cohort. There were no differences in postoperative ECMO utilization between groups. A trend toward improved overall survival was seen with ECMO at 1 year (100% vs 77%) and 3 years (100% vs 66%; p=0.13). Graft survival was significantly improved in the ECMO group (p=0.05). [ figure 1 ] Conclusions Intraoperative ECMO support for primary lung transplantation is comparable to CPB and is associated with earlier extubation, significant reduction in respiratory complications, a trend toward lower transfusion requirement and improved overall survival. Graft survival was significantly improved with the use of ECMO. Further longitudinal data is necessary.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for intraoperative cardiac support in children with congenital heart disease☆☆☆

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly used in children to allow recovery from ischemic injury or cardiac surgery, to support the circulation in case of end-stage cardiomyopathy, as bridge-to-bridge therapy and as bridge to transplantation as well. It has achieved success in providing cardiac support for these kind of patients with expected mortality due to severe myocardial dysfunction. In this modern era, ECMO support should be considered an important option for children with cardiopulmonary failure refractory to medical therapy or resuscitation. We report our experience in pediatric patients supported by ECMO for intraoperative cardiac failure between November 1991 and December 2006. Sixty-six patients with a mean age of 5.2+/-4 years (range: 1 day-17 years) and mean weight of 14.3+/-11 kg (range: 2.8-69 kg) had intraoperative ECMO support for failure to wean off cardiopulmonary bypass (n=46, 69.7%), low cardiac output syndrome (n=8, 12.1%), isolated right ventricular failure (n=6, 9.1%), isolated left ventricular failure (n=3, 4.5%), malignant arrhythmia (n=1, 1.5%) and pulmonary hypertension (n=2, 3.1%). Mean duration of ECMO support was 5.1+/-3 days. Overall 30 (45.4%) patients were successfully weaned off ECMO and survived to decannulation. Overall 6 (9.1%) patients were successfully bridged to heart transplantation while on ECMO support. Thirty patients died (54.4%) (16 while on ECMO and 14 after decannulation) because of multi-factorial complications, i.e. cerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary failure, consumption coagulopathy and therapy-resistant myocardial insufficiency, leding to an overall hospital mortality rate of 45.4%. Mean survival time after decannulation was 28+/-16 h. Overall survival rate on ECMO as bridge to recovery and transplantation has been 54.5% with successful hospital discharge of patients. Our experience shows that ECMO support can be offered intraoperatively to any children after palliative or corrective surgery for congenital heart disease with potentially reversible pulmonary, cardiac or cardiopulmonary failure. In the majority of patients who did not survive late after weaning from ECMO support, significant myocardial dysfunction persisted or pulmonary hypertensive events. Nevertheless, an acceptable proportion of patients who were successfully weaned from ECMO ultimately survived to leave the hospital.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Perioperative Cardiac Support in Children I: Experience at the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin (1987–2005)

We report our experience in pediatric patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for perioperative circulatory failure from January 1987 to June 2005. Pediatric patients (n = 110) who had ECMO support for congenital heart defects, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy (age range, newborn to 18 years; weight range, 2.3-69 kg) were included and divided into three groups based on timing of ECMO support. EMCO support was used preoperatively in 21 patients (19.1%) (mean age, 4 years +/- 8 months; mean weight, 23.7 +/- 8.9 kg). Duration of ECMO support was 8.3 +/- 7 days. Fifty-six patients (56.56%) (mean age, 5.11 +/- 5 years; mean weight, 15.7 +/- 6.9 kg) had intraoperative ECMO support for myocardial insufficiency, low output syndrome, right ventricular failure, left ventricular failure, malignant arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension, and repeated resuscitation. Mean duration of ECMO support was 4.98 +/- 1 days. Postoperative ECMO support was used in 29 patients (mean age, 7.5 +/- 1 years; mean weight, 23.4 +/- 6.4 kg). Mean duration of ECMO was 4.6 +/- 1 days. Mean postoperative day of ECMO institution was 40.4 +/- 2 days. Our experience shows that ECMO support can be offered perioperatively to any patient with potentially reversible pulmonary, cardiac, or cardiopulmonary failure, excluding those whose outcome is inevitable.

Institutional experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation☆

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is currently accepted in lung transplantation either to bridge patients to transplantation or to treat postoperatively arising severe primary graft failure. Based on promising initial experiences we have since 2001 implemented ECMO as the standard of intraoperative extracorporeal support in lung transplantation (LuTX) patients with haemodynamic or respiratory instability with the potential to prolong ECMO support into the perioperative period. The aim of this paper is to summarise our total experience with the use of ECMO in LuTX. We retrospectively reviewed all 306 patients undergoing primary lung transplantation from 1/2001 to 1/2006 with regard to the different forms of ECMO use. Results of all patients requiring ECMO were compared to those without ECMO during the observation period. ECMO was used in 147 patients in total. Two patients were bridged to transplantation. A total of 130 patients received intraoperative ECMO support. In 51 of these patients ECMO was prolonged into the perioperative period. Five of these patients required ECMO support again in the postoperative period due to graft dysfunction. Contrary cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 27 patients mainly with concomitant cardiac defects. Eleven of these patients needed therapeutic ECMO in the further course. A total of 149 patients without relevant risk factors were transplanted without any intraoperative extracorporeal support. Six of these patients required ECMO support in the postoperative period for treatment of primary graft dysfunction. Overall 3-month, 1-year and 3-year survival rates were 88.6%, 82.1% and 74.63%. The mentioned survival rates were 85.4%, 74.2% and 67.6% in the intraoperative+/-prolonged ECMO group; 93.5%, 91.9% and 86.5% in the no support group and 74.0%, 65.9% and 57.7% in the CPB group. ECMO is a valuable tool in lung transplantation providing the potential to bridge patients to transplantation, to replace CPB with at least equal results and to overcome severe postoperative complications. Favourable survival rates can be achieved despite the fact that ECMO is used in the more complex patient population undergoing lung transplantation as well as to overcome already established severe complications.