Extracorporeal life support for the neonatal cardiac patient: outcomes and new directions

A case report: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for multitrauma patient with pneumorrhagia

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as salvage therapy for multitrauma patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) when conventional treatment fails to maintain oxygenation. However, controversy exists between ECMO application and the risk of bleeding due to systemic anticoagulation during the treatment. Non-heparin introduction seems to be a possible solution for this dilemma, owing to technical improvements in the device and management methods of ECMO.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old woman suffered from blunt thoracic, pelvic, and right lower limb fractures due to a falling accident, which resulted in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although the patient received intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV), respiratory failure was not alleviated. Venous-venous (V-V) ECMO was used as a salvage therapy. With the support of V-V ECMO, we safely cleared blood clots in the bronchus and avoided secondary lung injury caused by pressure trauma and oxygen poisoning of the MV. We introduced heparin-free ECMO management as a solution to reduce the risk of bleeding associated with pulmonary contusion and other organ injuries. To prevent thrombosis, we set the blood rate of ECMO to 4.0 L/min, which is much higher than the usual parameter. During ECMO, coagulation factors, such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimer, were examined. ECMO was maintained for 5 days without any complications; MV was stopped on the 13th day, extubated on the 24th day, and discharged from ICU on the 28th day.

Conclusion

ECMO with non-heparin could be an optimal treatment for multitrauma patients with ARDS when traditional treatment cannot sustain oxygenation. High blood flow rate could prevent thrombosis through ongoing ECMO therapy without systemic anticoagulation. In addition, monitoring D-dimer value change (Δ D-dimer) may be better than D-dimer value in predicting clot formation in the membrane oxygenator.

Bridging with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Children: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is frequently used in children with and without congenital heart disease (CHD). This study, of a single-center and retrospective design, evaluated the use and timing of V-A ECMO in a pediatric cohort who underwent V-A ECMO implantation between January 2009 and December 2019. The patients were divided into a pre-/non-surgical group and a post-surgical group. Among the investigated variables were age, gender, weight, duration of ECMO, ECMO indication, and ventricular physiology, with only the latter being statistically relevant between the two groups. A total of 111 children (58 male/53 female), with a median age of 87 days (IQR: 7–623) were supported using V-A ECMO. The pre-/non-surgical group consisted of 59 patients and the post-surgical group of 52 patients. Survival at discharge was 49% for the pre-/non-surgical group and 21% for the surgical group (p = 0.04). Single-ventricle physiology was significant for a worse outcome (p = 0.0193). Heart anatomy still has the biggest role in the outcomes of children on ECMO. Nevertheless, children with CHD can be successfully bridged with ECMO to cardiac operation.

Premature and Extracorporeal Life Support: Is it Time? A Systematic Review

Early preterm birth < 34 gestational weeks (GA) and birth weight (BW) <2 kg are relative contraindications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, with improved technology, ECMO is presently managed more safely and with decreasing complications. Thus, these relative contraindications may no longer apply. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the existing literature on ECMO in early and late (34-37 GA) prematurity focusing on survival to hospital discharge and the complication intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Data sources: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Database. Only publications in the English language were evaluated. Of the 36 included studies, 23 were related to ECMO support for respiratory failure, 10 for cardiac causes, and four for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Over the past decades, the frequency of ICH has declined (89-21%); survival has increased in both early prematurity (25-76%), and in CDH (33-75%), with outcome similar to late prematurity (48%). The study was limited by an inherent risk of bias from overlapping single-center and registry data. Both the risk of ICH and death have decreased in prematurely born treated with ECMO. We challenge the 34 week GA time limit for ECMO and propose an international task force to revise current guidelines. At present, gestational age < 34 weeks might no longer be considered a contraindication for ECMO in premature neonates.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Norwood Surgery in Patients With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study From Brazil

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used to support patients after the repair of congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

We report our experience with patients with a single functional ventricle who were supported by ECMO after the Norwood procedure, reviewing the outcomes and identifying risk factors for mortality in these patients.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 33 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who received ECMO support after the Norwood procedure between January 2015 and December 2019. The independent variables evaluated in this study were demographic, anatomical, and those directly related to ECMO support (ECMO indication, local of initiation, time under support, and urinary output while on ECMO). The dependent variable was survival. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The ECMO support was applied in 33 patients in a group of 120 patients submitted to Norwood procedure (28%). Aortic atresia was present in 72.7% of patients and mitral atresia in 51.5%. For 15% of patients, ECMO was initiated in the operating room; for all other patients, ECMO was initiated in the intensive care unit. The indications for ECMO in the cardiac intensive care unit were cardiac arrest in 22 (79%) of patients, low cardiac output state in 10 (18%), and arrhythmia in 1 patient (3%). The median time under support was 5 (2-25) days. The median follow-up time was 59 (4-150) days. Global survival to Norwood procedure was 90.9% during the 30-day follow-up, being 33.3% for those submitted to ECMO. Longer ECMO support (p = 0.004) was associated with a higher risk of death in the group submitted to ECMO.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality of patients with HLHS who received ECMO support after stage 1 palliation was high. Patients with low urine output were related to worse survival rates, and longer periods under ECMO support (more than 9 days of ECMO) were associated with 100% mortality. Earlier ECMO initiation before multiorgan damage may improve results.

A case report: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe blunt thoracic trauma

Introduction

The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in trauma patients has been controversial, but VV-ECMO plays a crucial role when the lungs are extensively damaged and when conventional management has failed. VV-ECMO provides adequate tissue oxygenation and an opportunity for lung recovery. However, VV-ECMO remains contraindicated in patients with a risk of bleeding because of systemic anticoagulation during the treatment. The most important point is controlling the bleeding from severe trauma.

Case

A 32-year-old male experienced blunt trauma due to a traffic accident. He presented with bilateral hemopneumothorax and bilateral flail chest. We performed emergency thoracotomy for active bleeding and established circulatory stability. After surgery, the oxygenation deteriorated under mechanical ventilation, so we decided to establish VV-ECMO. However, bleeding from the bilateral lung contusions increased after VV-ECMO was established, and the patient was switched to heparin-free ECMO. After conversion, we could control the bronchial bleeding, especially the lung hematomas, and the oxygenation recovered. The patient was discharged without significant complications. VV-ECMO and mechanical ventilation were stopped on days 10 and 11, respectively. He was discharged from the ICU on day 15.

Conclusion

When we consider the use of ECMO for patients with uncontrollable, severe bleeding caused by blunt trauma, it may be necessary to use a higher flow setting for heparin-free ECMO than typically used for patients without trauma to prevent thrombosis.

The Role of Echocardiography in Neonates and Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) are expanding, and echocardiography is a tool of utmost importance to assess safety, effectiveness and readiness for circuit initiation and separation. Echocardiography is key to anticipating complications and improving outcomes. Understanding the patient's as well as the ECMO circuit's anatomy and physiology is crucial prior to any ECMO echocardiographic evaluation. It is also vital to acknowledge that the utility of echocardiography in ECMO patients is not limited to the evaluation of cardiac function, and that clinical decisions should not be made exclusively upon echocardiographic findings. Though echocardiography has specific indications and applications, it also has limitations, characterized as: prior to and during cannulation, throughout the ECMO run, upon separation and after separation from the circuit. The use of specific and consistent echocardiographic protocols for patients on ECMO is recommended.

An approach to successful slide tracheoplasty in the low birth weight neonate with single lung

The advent of the slide tracheoplasty technique and a multi-disciplinary approach has improved outcomes of congenital tracheal stenosis. However, tracheal surgery in younger patients with pulmonary malformations, especially low birth-weight neonates, has been associated with increased mortality. Patients with very low birth-weight, pulmonary malformations and prematurity may be palliated prior to definitive tracheal surgery due to the poor prognosis. We report a successful and unique approach of delaying tracheal reconstruction to allow growth and development in the premature, very low birth-weight neonate (1046g) with left lung agenesis.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital heart disease

This review article will discuss the indications for and outcomes of neonates with congenital heart disease who receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Most commonly, ECMO is used as a perioperative bridge to recovery or temporary support for those after cardiac arrest or near arrest in patients with congenital or acquired heart disease. What had historically been considered a contraindication to ECMO, is evolving and more of the sickest and most complicated babies are cared for on ECMO. Given that, it is imperative for aggressive survellience for long-term morbidity in survivors, particularly neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Extracorporeal Life Support: Four Decades and Counting

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a form of heart lung bypass that is used to support neonates, pediatrics, and adult patients with cardiorespiratory failure for days or weeks till organ recovery or transplantation. Venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV) ECLS are the most common modes of support. ECLS circuit components and monitoring have been evolving over the last 40 years. The technology is safer, simpler, and more durable with fewer complications. The use of neonatal respiratory ECLS use has been declining over the last two decades, while adult respiratory ECLS is growing especially since the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009. This review provides an overview of ECLS evolution over the last four decades, its use in neonatal, pediatric and adults, description of basic principles, circuit components, complications, and outcomes as well as a quick look into the future.

Extracorporeal life support is safe in trauma patients

INTRODUCTION

The role of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in the critically ill trauma patient is poorly defined, possibly leading to the underutilization of this lifesaving therapy in this population. This study examined survival rates and risk factors for death in trauma patients who received ECLS.

METHODS

Data from the National Trauma Data Bank was retrospectively reviewed to identify trauma patients who received ECLS from January 2012 to December 2014. Clinical outcomes and risk factors for death were examined in these patients.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were identified and included in the final analysis. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 64%. Survivors and non-survivors were similar in regard to age, gender, weight, and injury mechanism. Non-survivors had greater median injury severity scores (ISS) (29 non-survivors vs. 24 survivors, p=0.018) and had a shorter median total hospital length of stay (8days non-survivors vs. 32days survivors, p<0.001). Analysis of specific anatomic locations of traumatic injury, including serious head/neck, thoracic, and abdominal injuries, revealed no impact on patient survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified increasing age and ISS as significant risk factors for mortality; whereas treatment at facilities that performed multiple ECLS runs over the study period was associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal life support appears to be an effective treatment option in trauma patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure. Survival in trauma patients receiving ECLS is similar to that observed in the general ECLS population and this may represent an underutilized therapy in this population.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a 1,360-g Premature Neonate after Repairing Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

With advancements in complex repairs in neonates with complicated congenital heart diseases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used as cardiac support. ECMO has also been increasingly used for low birth weight (LBW) or very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. However, since prematurity and LBW are risk factors for ECMO, the appropriate indications for neonates with LBW, especially VLBW, are under dispute. We report a case of ECMO performed in a 1,360-g premature infant with VLBW due to cardiopulmonary bypass weaning failure after repairing infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

First In Vivo Results of a Novel Pediatric Oxygenator with an Integrated Pulsatile Pump

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a pivotal bridge to recovery for cardiopulmonary failure in children. Besides its life-saving quality, it is often associated with severe system-related complications, such as hemolysis, inflammation, and thromboembolism. Novel oxygenator and pump systems may reduce such ECMO-related complications. The ExMeTrA oxygenator is a newly designed pediatric oxygenator with an integrated pulsatile pump minimizing the priming volume and reducing the surface area of blood contact. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of this new ExMeTrA (expansion mediated transport and accumulation) oxygenator in an animal model. During 6 h of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in pigs, parameters of the hemostatic system including coagulation, platelets and complement activation, and flow rates were investigated. A nonsignificant trend in C3 consumption, thrombin-antithrombin-III (TAT) complex formation and a slight trend in hemolysis were detected. During the ECC, the blood flow was constantly at 500 ml/min using only flexible silicone tubes inside the oxygenator as pulsatile pump. Our data clearly indicate that the hemostatic markers were only slightly influenced by the ExMeTrA oxygenator. Additionally, the oxygenator showed a constant quality of blood flow. Therefore, this novel pediatric oxygenator shows the potential to be used in pediatric and neonatal support with ECMO.

Extracorporeal Life Support for Pediatric Heart Failure

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) represents an essential component in the treatment of the pediatric patient with refractory heart failure. Defined as the use of an extracorporeal system to provide cardiopulmonary support, ECLS provides hemodynamic support to facilitate end-organ recovery and can be used as a salvage therapy during acute cardiorespiratory failure. Support strategies employed in pediatric cardiac patients include bridge to recovery, bridge to therapy, and bridge to transplant. Advances in extracorporeal technology and refinements in patient selection have allowed wider application of this therapy in pediatric heart failure patients.

Post-ECMO chest tube placement: A propensity score-matched survival analysis

BACKGROUND

Severe morbidity and mortality has been reported from chest tube (CT) placement during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

METHODS

Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was analyzed for ECMO with CT placed <8days postcannulation (1997-2009).

RESULTS

Overall, 5884 patients were identified (213 CT) (56% male, 49% white), with a median (IQR) age at ECMO cannulation 7 (117)days, length of stay (LOS) 26 (35)days, and total charges (TC) 342,116 (409,573) USD. Diagnoses included congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) 16%, meconium aspiration (MA) 2%, pulmonary hypertension (PH) 13%, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) 41%, and cardiac (C) 29%. Survival was overall 57%, CDH 47%, MA 88%, PH 75%, RDS 57%, and C 52%. There were no differences in survival between CT and non-CT patients compared overall, or by diagnosis, or by age <30days, or by diagnosis and age <30days. Multivariate analysis and propensity score matching for all ages, or <30days of age by diagnosis showed no difference in survival between CT and non-CT patients.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of KID with correlative propensity score matching demonstrates no increased mortality in pediatric ECMO patients requiring CT placement.