Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Research Articles

Percutaneous Atrial Septostomy in Adult Patients on Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock: A Canadian Single-Center Experience

Background/Objectives: Patients with cardiogenic shock on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) frequently develop left ventricular (LV) distension and pulmonary edema due to an increased LV afterload. A balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) is a technique used to alleviate LV pressure and facilitate left atrial decompression. While primarily performed in pediatric populations, this procedure’s feasibility in adult patients is less studied. This study aimed to evaluate the procedural outcomes, including the safety and effectiveness, of BASs in adult patients with cardiogenic shock supported by VA-ECMO. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 11 adult patients with cardiogenic shock on VA-ECMO, who underwent a BAS between 2012 and 2023. Multiple parameters were used to evaluate the global clinical impact of a BAS on patients with cardiogenic shock. Results: Between 2012 and 2023, 11 patients with cardiogenic shock on VA-ECMO underwent a BAS procedure in our institution. The mean time from the BAS to advanced therapy was 6.4 days. Procedural success was achieved in all patients with no complications. Nine patients (82%) had an improvement in PaO2/FiO2 24 h post-BAS procedure. All patients had an improvement in the pulmonary edema on the chest X-ray 24 to 48 h after the procedure, with clear radiography achieved in nine patients (82%) in a mean time of 7 days (range: 1.5–13 days). A total of five patients (45%) had in-hospital mortality due to non-procedural complications and the mortality timing from BAS was between 5 to 23 days. Among those discharged, all six patients were alive at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: A BAS is a feasible and safe technique for decompressing the left atrium in adult patients on VA-ECMO. It significantly improved pulmonary edema and oxygenation in most cases. Further studies with larger populations are needed to evaluate its impact on long-term outcomes.

Extracorporeal-CPR Versus Conventional-CPR for Adult Patients in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) utilizes veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in cardiac arrest patients to reduce the risk of mortality and multiorgan dysfunction from systemic hypoperfusion. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of patients receiving ECPR versus conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) for refractory cardiac arrest. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. A librarian searched the main databases, Ovid MEDLINE (including epub ahead of print, in-process & other non-indexed citations), Ovid EMBASE and Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through July 2024. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared the outcomes of ECPR to CCPR in cardiac arrest patients. Primary outcomes were neurological sequelae and survival. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data on selected articles and performed risk of bias assessments using ROBINS-I for non-randomized controlled trials and the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials with disagreements settled by a third independent reviewer. Out of 3458 studies identified and screened, 28 studies including 304,360 cardiac arrest patients met eligibility criteria and were included. Survival at hospital discharge was 20% for ECPR versus 3.3% for CCPR (OR 0.48 [CI 0.27, 0.84]). Favorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge was 11.8% for ECPR versus 1.9% for CCPR (OR 0.41 [CI 0.17, 1.01]). Complications from bleeding were ten times higher in the ECPR group (35.3% vs 3.7%; OR 0.08 [0.03, 0.24]). ECPR appeared to be superior to CCPR for improved neurological outcome and survival in cardiac arrest patients, although bleeding was increased. There was large heterogeneity in the included studies and outcomes reported. Future prospective studies may improve the identification of subgroups of patients that will benefit most from ECPR.Systematic review and meta-analysis registration: PROSPERO - CRD42023394128.

Sex Disparity in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Clinical Trial Enrollment

Objectives: Multiple studies have shown that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used clinically more often in men than women. Because clinical trials provide the basis for identifying patients who are likely to benefit from medical therapies, we hypothesized that sex-based imbalances in ECMO trial enrollment may both reflect and perpetuate these observed disparities. Our objective was to determine whether sex-based enrollment imbalances exist within the published ECMO clinical trial literature. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Randomized controlled trials published between 2003 and 2023 that either tested ECMO as a treatment modality or tested another intervention among patients receiving ECMO. Patients: Not applicable Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We used the Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy to search PubMed for eligible trials. Data on participant demographics, trial characteristics, and journal information were abstracted for each publication. The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of male and female participants in each published trial. The initial literature search identified 774 articles. Of these, 31 were eligible for inclusion, and 28 provided data on the sex of study participants. Twenty-six of these 28 trials (93%) enrolled more men than women, and in aggregate women comprised 28% (95% CI, 26–30%) of all trial participants (551/1956 subjects). Trials involving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) exhibited the largest sex-based enrollment differences (83% men) followed by venoarterial ECMO for cardiogenic shock (73% men). Among trials published in journals with impact factors of ten or higher 74% (95% CI, 72–76%) of participants were men. Only two trials (7%) provided data on the race or ethnicity of study participants. Conclusions: Substantial sex-based disparity exists in published ECMO clinical trials. Underrepresentation of women relative to disease prevalence is most significant among trials utilizing venoarterial ECMO for cardiogenic shock and ECPR for cardiac arrest, limiting the applicability of findings from these trials for women.

Management of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation-Associated Groin Wound Complications With Muscle Flaps at a High-Acuity Cardiac Referral Center.

The insertion of large bore cannulas into the femoral vessels for venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) administration has been associated with significant acute and chronic wound complications in patients with significant medical and surgical comorbidities, including vessel exposure and lymphocele development. In this series, we report our experience using muscle flap reconstruction in the management of post-ECMO groin wounds, with particular emphasis on groin lymphocele. VA-ECMO patients at a high-acuity cardiac referral center who developed groin cannulation site complications requiring muscle flap closure were included for retrospective review. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative factors were analyzed. Fifteen patients were included. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (66.7%), diabetes (46.7%), and renal failure (60.0%). Eight (53.3%) patients were immunosuppressed. The most frequent indications for surgery were groin lymphocele (n = 8, 53.3%) and exposed femoral vessels (n = 7, 46.7%). Median time from ECMO decannulation to reconstruction was 49.0 days. Most reconstructions were performed using a rectus femoris flap (n = 13, 86.7%). Two (13.3%) shallow wounds were covered with a sartorius muscle flap. Intraoperative cultures were positive in 9 (60.0%) patients. Seven (46.7%) patients experienced complications, including hematoma (n = 5), dehiscence (n = 1), recipient site infection (n = 1), and donor site infection (n = 1). In both groups, there were no cases involving lymphocele recurrence following reconstruction. There were no flap-specific complications and no cases of amputation. Four patients died within 1 year from septic shock (n = 3) and heart failure (n = 1). We report successful reconstruction in the majority of patients. In particular, muscle flap reconstruction is a useful technique for addressing ECMO-associated lymphocele development and recurrence. Future studies are needed to determine ideal timing of reconstruction and if early plastic surgeon involvement can reduce morbidity and mortality of these difficult to treat infections.

Left atrial decompression during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a single multi-stage drainage cannula with a transseptal approach: Clinical significance and medical management of LAVA ECMO

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-support treatment used in critically ill patients that temporarily acts as the heart and lungs. It is used in numerous clinical scenarios where the patient’s heart and/or lungs are too sick to work on their own. With ECMO, a patient’s blood is removed from the body and pumped through an artificial lung, where oxygen is added and carbon dioxide is removed. There are two types of ECMO support: VV ECMO and VA ECMO. VV ECMO is used when a patient’s lungs need additional support, and VA ECMO is used when a patient’s heart and lungs need additional support. Although ECMO therapy can be life-saving, it is a supportive therapy, not a disease-modifying treatment. There are numerous techniques and strategies used to implement ECMO, all in which come with their own risks, complications, and possible emergencies. Cannulation strategy is determined by a multitude of factors, such as materials available, patient presentation, concurrent venous/arterial access, specific patient anatomy, clinical diagnosis, provider training, etc. One major complication specific to VA ECMO is left ventricular overload, which can create a lethal cascade of issues for a patient receiving this mode of support. This manuscript will discuss the products and materials needed, cannulation techniques, configurations, and clinical significance of left atrial veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (LAVA ECMO). We will focus on clinical scenarios that allow for LAVA ECMO and unique considerations for this complex cannulation strategy. Additionally, we will address the use of LAVA ECMO in patients where traditional left atrial venting and decompression techniques are contraindicated. Finally, current data pertaining to patient outcomes related to the use of LAVA ECMO will be discussed in length, giving a synopsis of the benefits of using a single multi-stage drainage cannula with a transseptal approach for left atrial decompression in VA ECMO

Markers of Endothelial Injury in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A New Risk Assessment Method

IntroductionExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become more widely used in recent years. However, ECMO remains a resource-intensive modality, and identifying patients most likely to benefit from it can be a complex task. Few methods exist to help risk stratify potential ECMO patients. Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) are markers of endothelial dysfunction and are used as a sign of disease severity in various forms of trauma. Our study aims to evaluate the association between precannulation levels of SDC-1 and sTM with mortality, current scoring systems, and their ability to predict mortality on ECMO. MethodsPatients initiated on venoarterial ECMO were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data were collected, and precannulation Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores were calculated. Blood samples from precannulation collection were assayed for SDC-1 and sTM by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The primary outcome was mortality on ECMO. ResultsThirty-four patients were included in the analysis. Most were male (76.5%), with a median age of 61.5 y and body mass index of 28.2. Overall mortality was 61.7%. sTM was significantly higher in patients who died on venoarterial ECMO compared to those who lived. Pre–SDC-1 level of ≥951 ng/mL is marginally predictive of a higher mortality risk (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.70; P = 0.070). Pre-sTM levels of ≥5348 pg/mL predicted mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.89; P = 0.003). ConclusionsSDC-1 and sTM are associated with a higher mortality risk in patients on ECMO. These biomarkers may be a valuable addition to current scoring systems. Furthermore, more work should focus on characterizing the effects of cardiogenic shock on the endothelium.

Association Between Impella Device Type and Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction-Related Cardiogenic Shock Receiving ECPELLA Support.

The prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) remains unsatisfactory even in the era of Impella, especially among the patients who receive concomitant veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (i.e., ECPELLA). The prognostic impact of Impella device type in patients with AMI-CS receiving ECPELLA support remains uncertain.Patients with AMI-CS who had received Impella-incorporated temporary mechanical circulatory support between 2020 and 2022 were prospectively registered in the Japanese Registry for Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device (J-PVAD). The prognostic impact of Impella device type on the 30-day mortality in patients receiving ECPELLA therapy was retrospectively investigated.A total of 996 patients receiving ECPELLA therapy (median 69 years; out-of-hospital cardiac arrest 36.8%; lactate 8.2 mmol/L) were included. The device type of Impella 5.0/5.5 (n = 73) was associated with a lower 30-day mortality with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.575 (95% confidence interval 0.369-0.895, P = 0.0143) and a lower 30-day cumulative mortality (35.6% versus 56.8%, P = 0.0002) compared with the Impella 2.5/CP (n = 923).Among the patients with AMI-CS receiving ECPELLA support, Impella 5.0/5.5 use was significantly associated with a lower 30-day mortality compared with smaller Impella devices. Implementing an Impella 5.5 or Impella upgrade from CP to 5.5 may improve the short-term prognosis in patients with advanced AMI-CS who are receiving ECPELLA support.

Viability of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuits during Arterio-venous Shunting: An Observational Study of ECMO Circuits

Introduction Trial off veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is often performed by diversion of circuit flow through an arterio-venous shunt. Separation from the patient presents an augmented risk for microbiological growth and deterioration of the circuit components and blood circulating within it. It is unclear how long mechanical components and blood circulating within the circuit remain intact during arterio-venous shunting. Methods Following decannulation, the arterial and venous lines were connected simulating an arterio-venous shunt. Flow was maintained at 500 ml/min. Observations at 11 intervals were paired with blood culture, blood gases, chemistry and coagulation studies. Heparin was not provided in two circuits, and four circuits received 30 IU/hour. Results Of six circuits studied, five maintained flows of 500 ml/min for 48 hours. One circuit developed extensive clot after two hours and blood flow ceased. Microbial growth was not detected. Glucose, fibrinogen and platelet levels reduced progressively from the outset. Cell breakdown was evident by four hours (increase in plasma potassium and phosphate) and lactate rose above 6.3 mmol/L at four hours in all circuits. Conclusion Arterio-venous shunting longer than four hours carries a risk of blood decomposition and cell energy pathway depletion. Re-establishing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support post arterio-venous shunting carries a risk of physiological derangement, given the blood composition changes during arterio-venous shunting. Consideration should be given to an alternate method to assess the physiological stability of patients off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation prior to decannulation. Alternately, consider a crystalloid flush of the circuit to remove decomposed blood if the trial-off exceeds four hours.

Effects of Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Usage and Different Cannulation Techniques on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Terms of Organ Perfusion.

Various cannulation strategies for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) support are currently in use according to the clinical urgency and experience of the rescuing team. Although central V-A ECMO is considered more effective than a peripheral approach, the superiority of one cannulation configuration instead of another remains a controversial subject. This study mainly aims to compare the contribution of V-A ECMO circulatory support modalities to patients' improvement according to various cannulation site strategies and additional usage of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). The study design involved the categorization of all patients into two groups: isolated V-A ECMO support and V-A ECMO plus IABP support. Secondly, we divided the patients into four groups considering V-A ECMO cannulation sites, such as central (aorto-atrial), axillo-femoral, femoro-femoral, and jugulo-femoral. We analyzed the parameters regarding the outcome for each group. When comparing cannulation sites in relation to laboratory parameters for assessing organ perfusion, no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups. We found no statistically significant result within the groups affecting organ perfusion. The complication rates were higher in patients with concomitant IABP support, but the difference was not statistically significant likewise. V-A ECMO provides effective perfusion, no matter which cannulation site is preferred during the decision-making process, and the utilization of IABP support has no additional contribution to the outcomes. We believe that the most suitable strategy should be a tailor-made decision according to the clinical status of patients, the pathology, urgency, and cost-effectiveness.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation under dual antiplatelet therapy, immediately after craniotomy

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often considered a relative contraindication for traumatic brain injury and cerebral hemorrhage because fatal intracranial hemorrhage can occur. Moreover, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)-related cerebral hemorrhage is associated with a high mortality rate. Herein, we report a case in which the patient was placed on ECMO under DAPT and managed without anticoagulation immediately after craniotomy. Case Report: A 51-year-old man was hospitalized for surgery for Moyamoya disease. The surgery was performed as scheduled; however, the patient experienced cardiac arrest while awakening from anesthesia. After return of spontaneous circulation, during the emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), he was placed on ECMO for cardiac arrest which caused an electrical storm. Because computed tomography (CT) after PCI revealed a new cerebral hemorrhage, ECMO was managed with DAPT without anticoagulation. Subsequently, the CT showed no increase in hematoma; however, a thrombus was observed in the membrane of the ECMO, and ECMO was withdrawn on the 4th intensive care unit day. Conclusion: Anticoagulation therapy with or without DAPT should not be used because of the risk of bleeding associated with veno-arterial ECMO immediately after craniotomy. Additionally, the risk of thrombosis may be high; therefore, additional care must be taken, and it is necessary to manage the ECMO circuit to consider the possibility of early replacement it too.

Assessment of percutaneous closure for decannulation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective study.

Despite the evidence supporting the use of Perclose Proglide® (PP) suture-mediated vascular closure devices in various clinical scenarios, limited evidence exists regarding its role in percutaneous arterial closure of the femoral artery after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Compared to conventional methods, this study evaluates the effectiveness and complications of bedside percutaneous femoral artery closure using Perclose ProGlide (PP) for VA-ECMO decannulation. Retrospective cohort of consecutive patients managed with mechanical circulatory support VA-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock, who survived decannulation between January 2017 and August 2023. A comparison between PP and other decannulation strategies was established to evaluate the effectiveness and procedure-related complications of bedside percutaneous femoral artery closure using a PP with a post-closure technique compared to conventional approaches of surgical and manual decannulation. Among 122 patients decannulated from VA-ECMO with a mean age of 48.6 ± 13.1 and 78 (63.9) males, 49.2% comprised the PP group. Despite the older age (p = 0.021) and higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (p = 0.045), the PP group had a larger number of patients free from decannulation-related adverse events. Additionally, a higher haemoglobin level 24 h post decannulation (p = 0.047), with no difference in terms of transfusion of red blood cells between groups (p = 0.263) was found. The pseudoaneurysm was the most frequently reported complication, while the arterial cannulation surgical wound site infection was only documented in the open repair subgroup. A trend towards reduced Intensive Care (ICU) and hospital length of stay after decannulation was noted, although it did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in mortality between both groups and no procedure-related deaths occurred. A mean of 2.7 PP devices were required to achieve complete haemostasis in the PP cohort, where technical failure was documented in four cases (6.7%). Bedside Percutaneous decannulation of VA-ECMO using a PP device with a post-closure technique is safe and reliable for achieving effective haemostasis, with fewer vascular complications than conventional approaches and a low device failure rate.

Useful central mechanical circulatory support system for critical biventricular heart failure associated with high pulmonary vascular resistance.

Peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a powerful life-saving tool; however, it can sometimes induce severe pulmonary edema in patients with critical heart failure. We report favorable outcomes in critically ill patients by using a central ECMO system with an innovative blood perfusion method. We analyzed 10 patients with severe heart failure and pulmonary edema who were treated with the central ECMO system at our institution between April 2022 and October 2023. The system consists of central cannulation with two inflows from the right atrium and left ventricle, and two outflows to the aorta and pulmonary artery, connected by two Y-connectors to a single ECMO circuit (RALV-AOPA ECMO). In this system, blood flow to the pulmonary artery is adjusted and mean pulmonary artery pressure is limited to <20 mm Hg, which reduces right ventricular afterload and prevents the worsening of pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. Six patients were diagnosed with fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis, and four were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019-related myocardial injury. The ejection fraction was 6.5 ± 4.1%. The average intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance was 4.6 ± 1.3 Wood units. After 24 h, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 12.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance was 1.5 ± 0.3 Wood units. The duration of central RALV-AOPA ECMO was 3.7 ± 2.1 days. Finally, six patients were weaned, three received HeartMate3, and one received heart transplantation. At follow-up, all patients remained alive (428 ± 208 days), and two patients experienced cerebrovascular accidents without any lasting sequelae. The central RALV-AOPA ECMO is an innovative system that achieves early improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance and is safe and feasible for patients with acute biventricular failure and pulmonary edema.

Considerations on Enhancing Venoarterial-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Via Transapical Cannulation and Minimally Invasive Techniques

Considerations on Enhancing Venoarterial-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Via Transapical Cannulation and Minimally Invasive Techniques

Overcoming Lung Challenges in TA-NRP Assisted Heart Recovery in Donation After the Circulatory Determination of Death.

Thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), utilizing Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) devices, has emerged as an effective strategy for heart recovery in donors declared dead by circulatory criteria (DCDD). After death declaration, TA-NRP restores heart activity by reperfusing the arrested heart with oxygenated blood at normothermia. Mechanical ventilation resumption in the donor enables weaning from ECMO and restores systemic circulation and oxygenation using the donor's heart and lungs. However, if pre-existing conditions prevent the donor's lungs from oxygenating blood post-cardiac activity restoration, weaning from veno-arterial ECMO may lead to systemic hypoxia, jeopardizing the restored cardiac function. Anticipating this scenario may guide planning a split ECMO circuit to facilitate earlier and more effective recovery of donor heart function post-ECMO weaning. This manuscript describes three cases of DCDD donors with hypoxic respiratory failure undergoing TA-NRP for heart recovery. By establishing a bridge in the arterial portion of the circuit, clamped out after weaning from veno-arterial ECMO, donor heart function was assessed exclusively with veno-venous ECMO support, leading to successful heart transplantation.

Xuebijing Injection Alleviates the Inflammatory Response in Patients with Venous-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Both acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its salvage treatment, venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), may lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and further aggravate tissue damage. Xuebijing (XBJ) may modulate cytokine production involved in the inflammatory response. We aimed to determine the efficacy of XBJ in cardiogenic shock patients on VA-ECMO. This was a prospective, randomized trial carried out in an intensive care unit of a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with VA-ECMO support were randomly divided into a Xuebijing group and a control group. Cytokines, inflammatory factors and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were compared between the groups. 41 patients were enrolled in the study, with 21 in the Xuebijing group and 20 in the control group. 28 (68.3%) were male, and the average age was 64.71 ± 8.18 years old. There was no difference in APACHEII (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II) score, LVEF, or cytokine and inflammatory factors collected before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) between the two groups. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the Xuebijing group were lower than those in the control group in the first 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after ECMO (p < 0.05). The LVEF in the Xuebijing group was higher than that of the control group at 48 hours (31.57 ± 3.43 vs. 28.35 ± 4.42, p = 0.013). This trend persisted at 72 hours. The duration of ECMO support in the Xuebijing group was 5.57 ± 2.11 days, which was shorter than that in the control group (p = 0.033). Xuebijing injection can reduce the inflammatory response and improve cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with VA-ECMO to a certain extent. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2100054069, Registered 8, December 2021, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=142869.

Impact of inhaled nitric oxide therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with Impella: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe mortality rate of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) combined with Impella (ECPELLA) support remains high. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) improves right ventricular (RV) function, resulting in increased Impella flow, which may facilitate early withdrawal of VA-ECMO and improve survival. This study investigated the prognostic impact of iNO therapy in ECPELLA patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive patients with CS supported by ECPELLA from September 2019 to March 2024 at our hospital. Changes in pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) and Impella flow over time were evaluated, and VA-ECMO withdrawal rate, time to withdrawal, and 30-day survival were compared between ECPELLA patients with and without iNO therapy.ResultsOf the 48 ECPELLA patients, 25 were treated with iNO. There were no significant differences between the groups in baseline characteristics or lactate levels at mechanical circulatory support induction. Patients with iNO therapy demonstrated significant improvements in the PAPi over time and a trend toward increased Impella flow, as well as a significantly higher VA-ECMO withdrawal rate (88% vs. 48%, P = 0.002) and a shorter time to VA-ECMO withdrawal (5 [3–6] days vs. 7 [6–13] days, P = 0.0008) than those without iNO therapy. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the 30-day survival rate was significantly higher in patients with iNO than in those without (76% vs. 26%, P = 0.0002).ConclusionsiNO therapy in patients with CS requiring ECPELLA was associated with short-term prognosis by improving RV function and facilitating weaning from VA-ECMO.Trial registration Retrospectively registered in UMIN-CTR (Reference No. R00006352).

Left ventricle unloading during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: review with updated evidence.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is widely used to treat medically refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest, and its usage has increased exponentially over time. Although VA-ECMO has many advantages over other mechanical circulatory supports, it has the unavoidable disadvantage of increasing retrograde arterial flow in the afterload, which causes left ventricular (LV) overload and can lead to undesirable consequences during VA-ECMO treatment. Weak or no antegrade flow without sufficient opening of the aortic valve increases the LV end-diastolic pressure, and that can cause refractory pulmonary edema, blood stagnation, thrombosis, and refractory ventricular arrhythmia. This hemodynamic change is also related to an increase in myocardial energy consumption and poor recovery, making LV unloading an essential management issue during VA-ECMO treatment. The principal factors in effective LV unloading are its timing, indications, and modalities. In this article, we review why LV unloading is required, when it is indicated, and how it can be achieved.

Survival of a Patient Following Initial LVAD Implantation and Two Successive LVAD Exchanges: case report

Abstract Background Initially conceptualized as a bridge to heart transplantation, the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) has become an important option for improving survival in patients with severe heart failure and poor prognosis. Case summary We report the case of a patient suffering from severe chronic heart failure, complicated by ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (NYHA IV, INTERMACS profile 1). Despite support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), inotropes and catecholamine therapy, the patient´s cardiac function did not recover sufficiently. Consequently, the decision was made to proceed with LVAD implantation as destination therapy. The initial LVAD implantation was uneventful, and the patient received anticoagulant therapy according to standard operating procedure (SOP). However pump thrombosis occurred on the first postoperative day, necessitating an LVAD exchange. Following an extended stay in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU), the patient was eventually discharged. Approximately 15 months later, the patient developed a driveline infection, involving most of the intrapericardial components of the LVAD. A second LVAD exchange was required and the patient received a third LVAD. To mitigate the risk of recurrent infection, suppressive antibiotic therapy with ampicillin/sulbactam was initiated. Discussion This is the first reported case of a patient surviving three LVAD implantations and highlights an instance of off-label use of lifelong antibiotic therapy following a driveline infection.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous post-closure technique during the decannulation for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

In recent years, during the decannulation process for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), methods for suturing the femoral artery have included the pre- and post-closure techniques. The safety and efficacy of the pre-closure technique are widely recognised; however, reports on the post-closure technique are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the post-closure technique using ProGlide (Abbott Healthcare, Green Oaks, IL, USA) device during VA-ECMO decannulation. We reviewed 170 patients who underwent VA-ECMO between January 2021 and June 2023. All patients had their femoral artery puncture sites closed using the post-closure technique upon decannulation. The success rate of this technique and incidence of lower limb complications were recorded and analysed. Technical success was achieved in 157 (92.4%) patients. Sixteen patients (9.4%) experienced lower limb-related complications, including 8 (4.7%) with lower limb arterial thrombosis and 11 (6.5%) with pseudo-aneurysms. Among all lower limb-related complications, four patients (2.4%) required interventional procedures. This study included 170 patients: 80 in the 'S' (15-16F) group and 90 in the 'M' (17-19F) group. In the univariate analysis of different arterial cannula sizes for in-hospital lower limb-related complications, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The multivariate logistic model indicated that, compared to the S (15-16F) group, the M (17-19F) group was not associated with an increased rate of in-hospital lower limb-related complications. The suture-mediated closure of the femoral artery during VA-ECMO decannulation is a promising therapeutic strategy.

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with congenital heart disease.

To analyze the clinical outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) after surgery and explore the risk factors associated with mortality during long-term follow-up for 3-5 years. We conducted a retrospective observational study at Shanghai Children Medical Center (SCMC) from 2017 to 2021 and reviewed the clinical results and laboratory findings of 188 CHD patients who received ECMO support during this period. The 5-year overall survival rate was 56.38% (106/188) among CHD patients who received ECMO support. Kaplan-Meier curve showed residual anatomical malformation (RAM) (p < 0.0001), gastrointestinal bleeding (p = 0.019), single ventricular (SV) (p = 0.028), and pre-ECMO lactate level >10 mmol/L (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with higher mortality in follow-up. Cox analysis identified RAM (p = 0.039) and pre-ECMO lactate level >10 mmol/L (p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for overall survival. Conversely, a minimum platelet count ≥50 × 109/L (p < 0.001) was found to be a protective factor. Moreover, a competing risk model showed that a CPR time ≥60 min (p < 0.001) was identified as a risk factor for death in patients who failed to be discharged from the hospital. Our study showed characteristics of long-term follow-up patients and revealed several risk factors associated with mortality in children with CHD who received ECMO support. These findings can provide valuable insights for clinical decision-making and contribute to improving patient outcomes.