Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Research Articles

Comparing Outcomes of Post-Cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Patients: On-Site Cannulation vs. Retrieval for V-A ECMO Support.

Background: Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) remains a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents the mainstay of mechanical circulatory support for PCCS; however, its availability is limited to larger experienced centers, leading to a mismatch between centers performing cardiac surgery and hospitals offering ECMO management beyond cannulation. We sought to evaluate the outcomes and complications of PCCS patients requiring veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO cannulated at our hospital compared to those cannulated at referral hospitals. Methods: A retrospective analysis of PCCS patients requiring V-A ECMO was conducted between October 2014 to December 2022. Results: A total of 121 PCCS patients required V-A ECMO support, of which 62 (51%) patients were cannulated at the referring institutions and retrieved (retrieved group), and 59 (49%) were cannulated at our hospital (on-site group). The baseline demographics and pre-ECMO variables were similar between groups, except retrieved patients had higher lactic acid levels (retrieved group: 8.5 mmol/L ± 5.8 vs. on-site group: 6.6 ± 5; p = 0.04). Coronary artery bypass graft was the most common surgical intervention (51% in the retrieved group vs. 47% in the on-site group). There was no difference in survival-to-discharge rates between the groups (45% in the retrieved group vs. 51% in the on-site group; p = 0.53) or in the rate of patient-related complications. Conclusions: PCCS patients retrieved on V-A ECMO can achieve similar outcomes as those cannulated at experienced centers. An established network in a hub-and-spoke model is critical for the PCCS patients managed at hospitals without ECMO abilities to improve outcomes.

Mid-Term Outcome after Extracorporeal Life Support in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: Recovery and Quality of Life.

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) therapy for refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (rPCS) is associated with high early mortality rates. This study aimed to identify negative predictors of mid-term survival and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and recovery of the survivors. Methods: Between 2017 and 2020, 142 consecutive patients received ECLS therapy following cardiac surgery. The median age was 66.0 [57.0-73.0] years, 67.6% were male and the median EuroSCORE II was 10.5% [4.2-21.3]. In 48 patients, HRQoL was examined using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the modified Rankin-Scale (mRS) at a median follow-up time of 2.2 [1.9-3.2] years. Results: Estimated survival rates at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months were 47%, 46%, 43% and 43% (SE: 4%). Multivariable Cox Proportional Hazard regression analysis revealed preoperative EuroSCORE II (p = 0.013), impaired renal function (p = 0.010), cardiopulmonary bypass duration (p = 0.015) and pre-ECLS lactate levels (p = 0.004) as independent predictors of mid-term mortality. At the time of follow-up, 83.3% of the survivors were free of moderate to severe disability (mRS < 3). SF-36 analysis showed a physical component summary of 45.5 ± 10.2 and a mental component summary of 50.6 ± 12.5. Conclusions: Considering the disease to be treated, ECLS for rPCS is associated with acceptable mid-term survival, health-related quality of life and functional status. Preoperative EuroSCORE II, impaired renal function, cardiopulmonary bypass duration and lactate levels prior to ECLS implantation were identified as negative predictors and should be included in the decision-making process.

Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Strategies in Post-Cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: Insight into a High-Volume Cardiac Surgery Center.

Background: Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS), which is defined as severe low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery, has a mortality rate of up to 90%. No study has yet been performed to compare patients with PCCS treated by conservative means to patients receiving additional mechanical circulatory support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis from January 2018 to June 2022 was performed. Results: Out of 7028 patients who underwent cardiac surgery during this time period, 220 patients (3%) developed PCCS. The patients were stratified according to their severity of shock based on the Stage Classification Expert Consensus (SCAI) group. Known risk factors for shock-related mortality, including the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and plasma lactate levels, were assessed at structured intervals. In patients treated additionally with ECMO (n = 73), the in-hospital mortality rate was 60%, compared to an in-hospital mortality rate of 85% in patients treated by conservative means (non-ECMO; n = 52). In 18/73 (25%) ECMO patients, the plasma lactate level normalized within 48 h, compared to 2/52 (4%) in non-ECMO patients. The morbidity of non-ECMO patients compared to ECMO patients included a need for dialysis (42% vs. 60%), myocardial infarction (19% vs. 27%), and cerebrovascular accident (17% vs. 12%). Conclusions: In conclusion, the additional use of ECMO in PCCS holds promise for enhancing outcomes in these critically ill patients, more rapid improvement of end-organ perfusion, and the normalization of plasma lactate levels.

Mortality in patients with normal left ventricular function requiring emergency VA-ECMO for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock due to coronary malperfusion.

To analyze outcomes in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) related to coronary malperfusion. Retrospective single-center analysis in patients with normal preoperative LVEF treated with VA-ECMO for coronary malperfusion-related PCCS between May 1998 and May 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, which was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality. During the study period, a total of 62,125 patients underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Amongst them, 59 patients (0.1%) with normal preoperative LVEF required VA-ECMO support due to coronary malperfusion-related PCCS. The mean duration of VA-ECMO support was 6 days (interquartile range 4-7 days). The 30-day mortality was 50.8%. Under VA-ECMO therapy, a complication composite outcome of bleeding, re-exploration for bleeding, acute renal failure, acute liver failure, and sepsis occurred in 51 (86.4%) patients. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were lactate levels > 9.9 mmol/l before VA-ECMO implantation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-7.0; p = 0.002), delay until revascularization > 278 minutes (OR: 2.9; 95% CI 1.3-6.4; p = 0.008) and peripheral arterial artery disease (OR: 3.3; 95% 1.6-7.5; p = 0.001). Mortality rates are high in patients with normal preoperative LVEF who develop PCCS due to coronary malperfusion. The early implantation of VA-ECMO before the development of profound tissue hypoxia and early coronary revascularization increases the likelihood of survival. Lactate levels are useful to define optimal timing for the VA-ECMO initiation.

Capillary refill time assessment after fluid challenge in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective study

BackgroundMonitoring fluid therapy is challenging in patients assisted with Veno-arterial ECMO. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of capillary refill time to assess the response to fluid challenge in patients assisted with VA-ECMO. MethodsRetrospective monocentric study in a cardiac surgery ICU. We assess fluid responsiveness after a fluid challenge in patients on VA-ECMO. We recorded capillary refill time before and after fluid challenge and the evolution of global hemodynamic parameters. ResultsA total of 27 patients were included. The main indications for VA-ECMO were post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (44%). Thirteen patients (42%) were responders and 14 non-responders (58%). In the responder group, the index CRT decreased significantly (1.7 [1.5; 2.1] vs. 1.2 [1; 1.3] s; p = 0.01), whereas it remained stable in the non-responder group (1.4 [1.1; 2.5] vs. 1.6 [0.9; 1.9] s; p = 0.22). Diagnosis performance of CRT variation to assess response after fluid challenge shows an AUC of 0.68 (p = 0.10) with a sensitivity of 79% [95% CI, 52–92] and a specificity of 69% [95% CI, 42–87], with a threshold at 23%. ConclusionIn patients treated with VA-ECMO index capillary refill time is a reliable tool to assesses fluid responsiveness. SpecialtyCritical care, Cardiac surgery, ECMO.

Identifying and mitigating risk of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy

ObjectivesTo identify preoperative predictors of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy and evaluate trajectory of postoperative ventricular function. MethodsFrom January 2017 to January 2020, 238 patients with ejection fraction <30% (206/238) or 30% to 34% with at least moderately severe mitral regurgitation (32/238) underwent conventional cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic, 125 with ischemic and 113 with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Preoperative ejection fraction was 25 ± 4.5%. The primary outcome was postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, defined as need for microaxial temporary left ventricular assist device, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or vasoactive-inotropic score >25. RandomForestSRC was used to identify its predictors. ResultsPostcardiotomy cardiogenic shock occurred in 27% (65/238). Pulmonary artery pulsatility index <3.5 and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >19 mm Hg were the most important factors predictive of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac index <2.2 L·min−1 m−2 and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >21 mm Hg were the most important predictive factors in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Operative mortality was 1.7%. Ejection fraction at 12 months after surgery increased to 39% (confidence interval, 35-40%) in the ischemic group and 37% (confidence interval, 35-38%) in the nonischemic cardiomyopathy group. ConclusionsPredictors of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were different in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Right heart dysfunction, indicated by low pulmonary artery pulsatility index, was the most important predictor in ischemic cardiomyopathy, whereas greater degree of cardiac decompensation was the most important in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, preoperative right heart catheterization will help identify patients with low ejection fraction who are at greater risk of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

Thrombosis of Prosthetic Tricuspid Valve During Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Case Report

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is frequently used for severe postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in patients with bioprosthetic valves. Acute prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a rare complication after valve replacement surgery and significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Patients who develop PVT on ECMO could significantly influence the long-term durability of the bioprosthetic valves. However, previous studies only analyzed risk factor and treatment of the mitral valve thrombosis during ECMO support. The mechanism of thrombosis on the tricuspid valve was still unknown. Here we describe the symptoms and treatment of a valve replacement patient who developed bioprosthetic tricuspid valve thrombosis during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Meanwhile, the patient’s mechanical prosthetic mitral valve functioned normally. An emergency re-do tricuspid prosthesis replacement was performed, and the patient finally developed the successful decannulation. At 6 months follow-up, the patient showed asymptomatic and had a reasonable quality of life. The pathophysiology of tricuspid valve thrombosis may be different from the left heart. Our case highlights that the risk of thrombosis associated with a prosthesis in the tricuspid position can be even higher in the setting of VA-ECMO support. In such patients, promoting forward blood flow across the prosthesis and improving levels of anticoagulation may be particularly important.

A model for delivery of extracorporeal life support in a stand-alone veterans affairs medical center.

For the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to continue to perform complex cardiothoracic surgery, there must be an established pathway for providing urgent/emergent extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Partnership with a nearby tertiary care center with such expertise may be the most resource-efficient way to provide ECLS services to patients in post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock or respiratory failure. The goal of this project was to assess the efficiency, safety, and outcomes of surgical patients who required transfer for perioperative ECLS from a single stand-alone Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to a separate ECLS center. Cohort consisted of all cardiothoracic surgery patients who experienced cardiogenic shock or refractory respiratory failure at the local VAMC requiring urgent or emergent institution of ECLS between 2019 and 2022. The primary outcomes are the safety and timeliness of transport. Mean time from the initial shock call to arrival at the ECLS center was 2.8 h. There were no complications during transfer. Six patients (86%) survived to decannulation. These results suggest that complex cardiothoracic surgery can be performed within the VHA system and when there is an indication for ECLS, those services can be safely and effectively provided at an affiliated, properly equipped center.

Troponin T and Survival following Cardiac Surgery in Patients Supported with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Post-Cardiotomy Shock.

While troponin is an established biomarker of cardiac injury, its prognostic significance in post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PCCS-VA-ECMO) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the correlation between early post-operative troponin T levels and both short-term and long-term mortality outcomes in this cohort. We evaluated 1457 troponin T measurements from 102 PCCS-VA-ECMO patients treated from 2013 to 2018 at a specialized cardio-surgical and transplantation center. Emphasis was placed on troponin concentrations at 24-48 h post-surgery, post-VA-ECMO implantation, and peak troponin levels in relation to VA-ECMO weaning, as well as 90-day and one-year mortality. No significant association was observed between troponin T levels post-VA-ECMO implantation and 90-day mortality (median: 1338 ng/L for overall, 1529 ng/L for survivors vs. 1294 ng/L for non-survivors; p = 0.146) or between peak troponin levels and 90-day mortality (median: 3583 ng/L for overall, 3337 ng/L for survivors vs. 3666 ng/L for non-survivors; p = 0.709). Comprehensive multivariate models showed no correlation between troponin levels and various mortality endpoints. Notably, age, procedure urgency, type, LVEF pre-surgery, Euroscore II, prior cardiac arrest, and VA-ECMO duration were not linked with troponin release. Hemodiafiltration emerged as the strongest mortality risk factor [HR 2.4]. Isolated early Troponin T release and peak troponin T were not associated, while organ complications were linked with VA-ECMO weaning or short- and long-term prognosis. The results underscore the multi-organ implications of PCCS in determining survival.

Should the Vasoactive Inotropic Score be a Determinant for Early Initiation of VA ECMO in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock?

The authors investigated the role of early venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) implantation in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) on mortality and morbidity when integrating vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and type of catecholamine support. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study with propensity-weight matching. Four university-affiliated intensive care units. Patients with PCS in the operating room. Early VA ECMO support. Of 2,742 patients screened during the study period, 424 (16%) patients were treated with inotropic drugs, and 75 (3%) patients were supported by VA ECMO in the operating room. Patients supported by VA ECMO had a higher use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs, with a higher VIS score. After propensity matching (integrating VIS and catecholamines type), mortality (56% v 20%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (cardiac, renal, transfusion) were higher in patients supported by VA ECMO than in a matched control group. When matching integrated the pre-ECMO VIS and the type of catecholamines, VA ECMO remained associated with high mortality and morbidity, suggesting that VIS alone should not be used as a main determinant of VA ECMO implantation.

Cardiac Troponin T level is not a predictor of mortality in patients with post-cardiotomy shock supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Background The prognostic significance of a dominant biomarker of cardiac injury, troponin, is unexplored in patients with post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PCCS–VA-ECMO). Aims We sought to investigate the association of early postoperative troponin T with short- and long-term mortality in patients supported with VA-ECMO in the postoperative period. Methods We analyzed 1457 troponin measurements of 102 patients with PCCS–VA-ECMO treated between 2013–2018 in a cardiosurgical and transplantation centre. We focused on the relation of troponin concentration 24–48 hours after surgery and 24–48 hours after VA-ECMO implantation and peak troponin value with VA-ECMO weaning, 90-day and one-year mortality. Results The median troponin T 24–48 hours following VA-ECMO implantation was 1338 ng/L [Q1–Q3: 526–2727, 90-day survivors 1529 ng/L (Q1–Q3: 836–5791) vs. non-survivors 1294 ng/L (Q1–Q3: 316–2657); P = 0.146]. The median peak troponin was 3583 ng/L [Q1–Q3: 1710–9238, 90-day survivors 3337 ng/L (Q1–Q3: 1863–12305) vs. non-survivors 3666 ng/L (Q1-Q3: 1462–9238); P = 0.709]. Multivariate models of troponin analysis: for VA-ECMO explanation, in-hospital, 90-day and 1-year mortality showed no relation between troponin and mortality. Age, urgency, type and number of procedures, left ventricle ejection fraction before surgery, Euroscore II result, cardiac arrest prior to VA-ECMO implantation or duration of VA-ECMO did not correlate with the extent of troponin release. The strongest risk factor for short- and long-term mortality was the need for hemodiafiltration [HR 2.4]. Conclusions Isolated early Troponin T release and peak troponin T were not associated, while organ complications were linked with VA-ECMO weaning or short- and long-term prognosis. The results underscore the multiorgan implications of PCCS in determining survival.

Abstract 18247: Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention Shock Staging is Associated With Outcomes in Patients With an Impella 5.5 Temporary Left Ventricular Assist Device

Introduction: Surgically implanted microaxial ventricular assist devices (VAD) such as Impella 5.5 are increasingly used as temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) in patients at risk for and with cardiogenic shock (CS). Understanding the associations between CS severity and outcomes in patients supported with Impella 5.5 may optimize patient selection and prevent futile interventions. Hypothesis: Increasingly severe Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) SHOCK stages in patients supported with Impella 5.5 are associated with worse outcomes. Methods: From 2019-2022, retrospective review of perioperative characteristics, SCAI SHOCK stage and outcomes in patients supported with an Impella 5.5. Results: In total, 228 Impella 5.5s were implanted in 226 patients; 28% (63) SCAI SHOCK stage A, 4% (10) stage B, 14% (31) stage C, 46% (104) stage D and 9% (20) stage E. Stage A and B patients more often had elective Impella 5.5s for tMCS-assisted interventions (cardiac surgery, PCI, VT ablation) (30%, 69/228) while stage C-E patients primarily had Impella 5.5 placement for acute MI (AMI), chronic cardiomyopathy and postcardiotomy CS (60%, 136/228) (p&lt;0.01). Death on Impella support by SCAI SHOCK stage was: A 3.2%, B 10%, C 13%, D 27%, E 37% (p&lt;0.01). The transition to durable VAD or heart transplant by SCAI SHOCK stage was: A 1.6%, B 0%, C 48%, D 35%, E 16% (p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: Patients supported with Impella 5.5s presented in varying degrees of CS as defined by SCAI SHOCK stage. Patients with AMI, chronic cardiomyopathy, and postcardiotomy CS more commonly presented in higher SCAI SHOCK stages than those who underwent planned Impella 5.5-assisted cardiac interventions. Patients in stage E at implant had the highest mortality while patients in stage C and D were more likely to be bridged to durable VAD or heart transplant.

Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Cardiogenic Shock Patients after Cardiac Procedures: Selection Algorithm and Weaning Strategies.

Mechanical circulatory support has proven effective in managing postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock by stabilizing patients' hemodynamics and ensuring adequate organ perfusion. Among the available device modalities, the combination of extracorporeal life support and a microaxial flow pump for left ventricular unloading has emerged as a valuable tool in the surgical armamentarium. In this publication, we provide recommendations for the application and weaning of temporary mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock patients, derived from a consensus among leading cardiac centers in German-speaking countries.

Extracorporeal Blood Purification with CytoSorb in 359 Critically Ill Patients

Introduction: Critically ill patients with inflammatory dysregulation and organ disfunction may benefit from blood purification, although the use of this technique has not been described in large case series. We evaluated clinical outcomes and survival in high-risk intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent extracorporeal blood purification. Methods: 359 consecutive ICU patients treated with CytoSorb were included. Results: Main admission diagnoses were 120 (34%) refractory cardiac arrest under mechanical chest compression; 101 (28%) profound cardiogenic shock; 81 (23%) post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock; and 37 (10%) respiratory failure. Fifteen patients (4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We observed 49% 30-day mortality, 57% ICU mortality, and 62% hospital mortality, all lower than the 71% mortality predicted by SAPS II and 68% predicted by SOFA score. Parameters of shock and organ failure, above all vasoactive inotropic score, reduced during CytoSorb treatment. Multivariable analysis identified SAPS II, lactate dehydrogenase, ICU stay duration, vasoactive inotropic score, lactates, intra-aortic counterpulsation on top of VA-ECMO, and total bilirubin as predictors of mortality. No CytoSorb-related complications occurred. Conclusion: CytoSorb treatment was effective in reducing laboratory parameters of shock and vasoactive inotropic score with possible survival implications in a large population of critically ill patients.

The low hemoglobin levels were associated with mortality in post-cardiotomy patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is used as a rescue strategy for patients with refractory post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). These patients often have varying degrees of reduced hemoglobin levels, and there are few detailed investigations about the impact of hemoglobin level on their mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether hemoglobin levels at day 1 from VA-ECMO initiation were associated with in-hospital mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult VA-ECMO patients over approximately a 2-year period. We divided patients into survival and death groups based on their clinical outcomes and compared the differences in parameters between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate whether hemoglobin level was related to the mortality. One hundred and sixteen patients were included in final analysis. There were 52 patients in the survival group and 64 in the death group. The patients were younger in the survival group than the death group (58 vs 63, p = .023). The median (IQR) hemoglobin level at day 1 was 80 (73-89) × g/L, and the median (IQR) RelΔ hemoglobin was 41% (32-48%). Survival patients had a higher hemoglobin level at day 1 and a lower RelΔ hemoglobin than the death patients (91 vs 76g/L, p < .001; 35% vs 45%, p < .001). The multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the low hemoglobin levels at day 1 were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 0.808; 95% CI, 0.747-0.874; p < .001). The AUROC for hemoglobin level was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83-0.95) which was better than that of RelΔ hemoglobin (0.77, 95% CI, 0.68-0.86). In patients receiving VA-ECMO for PCS, the low hemoglobin levels at day 1 were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock.

Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO), the most frequent indication for ECMO in the United States, is increasingly used as the first-line mechanical circulatory support in patients who are refractory to conventional treatment. Despite increasing use of PC-ECMO, limited evidence is available regarding its safety, efficacy, and optimal timing for initiation and weaning. The decision to use PC-ECMO often is made in the absence of robust clinical data, leading to variability in patient selection, management, and outcomes across different institutions. This article summarizes current evidence on ECMO use in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and discusses its potential benefits, management, complications, and outcomes.

Impella® 5.0 Microaxial Heart Pump Implementation for Prevention of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

Impella® 5.0 Microaxial Heart Pump Implementation for Prevention of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

Temporary circulatory support with surgically implanted microaxial pumps in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock following coronary artery bypass surgery

ObjectivesPatients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery may develop postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. In these cases, implantation of an Impella 5.0 or 5.5 microaxial pump offers full hemodynamic support while simultaneously unloading of the left ventricle. MethodsPreoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data of all patients receiving postoperative support with an Impella 5.0 or 5.5 after CABG surgery between September 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected. Cohort built-up was performed according to the timing of Impella implantation, either simultaneous during CABG surgery or delayed. ResultsA total of n = 42 patients received postoperative Impella support, of whom 27 patients underwent simultaneous Impella implantation during CABG surgery and 15 patients underwent delayed Impella therapy. Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was similarly low in both groups (26.7 ± 0.7% vs 24.8 ± 11.3%; P = .32). In the delayed cohort, Impella implantation was performed after a median of 1 (1; 2) days after CABG surgery. Survival after 30 days (75.6% vs 47.6%, P = .04) and 1 year (69.4% vs 29.8%, P = .03) was better in the cohort receiving simultaneous Impella implantation. ConclusionsThe combined advantages of hemodynamic support and LV unloading with microaxial pumps may lead to a favorable survival in patients with left ventricular failure following CABG surgery. Early implantation during the initial surgery shows a trend toward a more favorable survival as compared with patients receiving delayed support.

Application of ECMO in a Patient with Post-Cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Combined with Dextrocardia: Case Report

Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a widely-accepted salvage therapy for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). CS often presents with mirror-image dextrocardia and other cardiac abnormalities, making surgical management of CS challenging. The use of VA-ECMO and an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to address CS combined with dextrocardia has not been reported previously. In this case report, we summarize our experience treating perioperative CS using VA-ECMO and IABP in a male patient with dextrocardia combined with coronary artery disease (CAD). During off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), the patient developed CS and underwent emergency transfer to on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB). The patient then received ECMO and an IABP, which successfully restored hemodynamic function. The patient was eventually discharged from the hospital without further complications.

Concomitant intra-aortic balloon pump and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

We aimed to compare the outcomes of ECMO with and without IABP for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. The study included 103 patients who needed ECMO for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Patients were grouped according to the use of IABP into ECMO without IABP (n = 43) and ECMO with IABP (n = 60). The study endpoints were hospital complications, successful weaning, and survival. Patients with IABP had lower preoperative ejection fraction (p = 0.002). There was no difference in stroke (p = 0.97), limb ischemic (p = 0.32), and duration of ICU stay (p = 0.11) between groups. Successful weaning was non-significantly higher with IABP (36 (60%) vs 19 (44.19%); p = 0.11). Predictors of successful weaning were inversely related to the high pre-ECMO lactate levels (OR: 0.89; p = 0.01), active endocarditis (OR: 0.06; p = 0.02), older age (OR: 0.95; p = 0.02), and aortic valve replacement (OR: 0.26; p = 0.04). There was no difference in survival between groups (p = 0.80). Our study did not support the routine use of IABP during ECMO support.