Outcome of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients undergoing valvular surgery

The absolute lactate levels versus clearance for prognostication of post-cardiotomy patients on veno-arterial ECMO

AIMS

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a life-saving procedure for supporting patients with cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery. This work aimed to analyse the impact of changes in blood lactate levels on the survival of patients on post-cardiotomy ECMO (PC-ECMO) and whether lactate clearance (LC) performs better than absolute lactate levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed the data of adult patients who received PC-ECMO at our centre between 2016 and 2022. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality rate. Arterial lactate levels were measured at ECMO initiation, peak and 12 and 24 h after VA-ECMO support. LC was calculated at 12 and 24 h. Out of 2368 patients who received cardiac surgeries, 152 (median age, 48 years; 57.9% of them were men) received PC-ECMO. Of them, 48 (31.6%) survived and were discharged, while 104 (68.4%) died during the index hospitalization. Non-survivors had higher frequencies of atrial fibrillation (41.35% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (26.9% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.004), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (237 vs. 192 min, P = 0.016) and aortic cross-clamping times (160 vs. 124 min, P = 0.04) than survivors. Non-survivors had a significantly higher median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at ECMO initiation (13.5 vs. 9, P < 0.001) and a lower median Survival After Veno-arterial ECMO (SAVE) score (-3 vs. 3, P < 0.001) with higher SAVE classes (P < 0.001) than survivors. After 12 h of VA-ECMO support, the blood lactate level was negatively correlated with LC in survivors (r = -0.755, P < 0.001) and non-survivors (r = -0.601, P < 0.001). After 24 h, the same negative correlation was identified between survivors (r = -0.764, P < 0.001) and non-survivors (r = -0.847, P < 0.001). Blood lactate levels measured at 12 h to determine hospital mortality [>8.2 mmol/L, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.868] and 24 h (>2.6 mmol/L, AUROC: 0.896) had the best performance, followed by LC-T12 (<21.94%, AUROC: 0.807), LC-T24 (<40.3%, AUROC: 0.839) and peak blood lactate (>14.35 mmol/L, AUROC: 0.828). The initial pre-ECMO blood lactate (>6.25 mmol/L, AUROC: 0.731) had an acceptable ability to discriminate mortality but was less than the following measurements and clearance. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that LC of <21.94% at T12 h and <40.3% at T24 h was associated with decreased survival (log-rank P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for mortality revealed that LC of <21.94% at T12 h had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.73 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64-5.762, P < 0.001] and LC of <40.3% at T24 h had an adjusted HR of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.46-4.173, P < 0.001). The predictors of hospital mortality after PC-ECMO were the lactate level at 12 h [odds ratio (OR): 1.67, 95% CI: 1.121-2.181, P = 0.001], initial SOFA score (OR: 1.593, 95% CI: 1.15-2.73, P < 0.001), initial blood lactate (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.016-1.721, P = 0.032) and atrial fibrillation (OR: 6.17, 95% CI: 2.37-57.214, P = 0.003). Bivariate models using lactate levels and clearance at the same points revealed that blood lactate levels performed better than the clearance percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

Serial measurements of arterial blood lactate and LC help in obtaining early prognostic guidance in adult patients supported by VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery. Absolute lactate levels, compared with LC at the same time points, demonstrated better performance in differentiating mortality.

Anticoagulation and associated complications in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To describe the incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications in VA-ECMO according to anticoagulation strategy.

Design

This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting bleeding and thrombotic complications in VA-ECMO. The incidence of primary outcomes according to anticoagulation drug and monitoring test was described.

Data sources

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL (2010-January 2024).

Review methods

Data was extracted using Covidence. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using STATA MP v18.1 metaprop.

Results

We included 159 studies with 21,942 patients. No studies were at low risk of bias. The incidence of major bleeding or thrombotic events was similar among heparin-, bivalirudin- and anticoagulation-free cohorts. The pooled incidence of major bleeding and thrombotic complications were 40% (95%CI 36-44, I2 = 97.12) and 17% (95%CI 14-19, I 2  = 92.60%), respectively. The most common bleeding site was thoracic. The most common ischaemic complication was limb ischaemia. The incidences of major bleeding or thrombotic events, intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke were similar among all monitoring tests. Mechanical unloading was associated with a high incidence of major bleeding events (60%, 95%CI 43-77, I2 = 93.32), and ischaemic strokes (13%, 95%CI 7-19, I2 = 81.80).

Conclusions

Available literature assessing the association between anticoagulation strategies in VA-ECMO, and bleeding and thrombosis is of limited quality. We identified a substantially higher incidence of major bleeding events than a previous meta-analysis. Limited numbers of patients anticoagulated with alternatives to heparin were reported. Patients with additional mechanical LV unloading represent a cohort at particular risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications.

Different strategies in left ventricle unloading during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A network meta-analysis

Background

Left ventricular (LV) overload is a frequent complication during VA-ECMO associated with poor outcomes. Many strategies of LV unloading have been documented but lack of evidence shows which is better. We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare different LV unloading strategies.

Methods

We searched databases for all published studies on LV unloading strategies during VA-ECMO. The pre-defined primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results

45 observational studies (34235 patients) were included. The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking values (SUCRA) demonstrated that compared to no unloading strategy (15.4 %), IABP (73.8 %), pLVAD (60.8 %), atrial septostomy (51.2 %), catheter venting (48.8 %) were all associated with decreased all-cause mortality, in which IABP and pLVAD existed statistical significance. For secondary outcomes, no unloading group had the shortest VA-ECMO duration, ICU and hospital length of stay, and the lower risk of complications compared with unloading strategies. IABP was associated with reducing VA-ECMO duration, ICU and hospital length of stay, and the risk of complications (except for hemolysis as the second best) compared with other unloading strategies.

Conclusions

LV unloading strategies during VA-ECMO were associated with improved survival compared to no unloading, but the tendency to increase the risk of various complications deserves more consideration.

Scrutinizing the Role of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Has Clinical Practice Outpaced the Evidence?

The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for temporary mechanical circulatory support in various clinical scenarios has been increasing consistently, despite the lack of sufficient evidence regarding its benefit and safety from adequately powered randomized controlled trials. Although the ARREST trial (Advanced Reperfusion Strategies for Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation) and a secondary analysis of the PRAGUE OHCA trial (Prague Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) provided some evidence in favor of VA-ECMO in the setting of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the INCEPTION trial (Early Initiation of Extracorporeal Life Support in Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) has not found a relevant improvement of short-term mortality with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In addition, the results of the recently published ECLS-SHOCK trial (Extracorporeal Life Support in Cardiogenic Shock) and ECMO-CS trial (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock) discourage the routine use of VA-ECMO in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock. Ongoing clinical trials (ANCHOR [Assessment of ECMO in Acute Myocardial Infarction Cardiogenic Shock, NCT04184635], REVERSE [Impella CP With VA ECMO for Cardiogenic Shock, NCT03431467], UNLOAD ECMO [Left Ventricular Unloading to Improve Outcome in Cardiogenic Shock Patients on VA-ECMO, NCT05577195], PIONEER [Hemodynamic Support With ECMO and IABP in Elective Complex High-risk PCI, NCT04045873]) may clarify the usefulness of VA-ECMO in specific patient subpopulations and the efficacy of combined mechanical circulatory support strategies. Pending further data to refine patient selection and management recommendations for VA-ECMO, it remains uncertain whether the present usage of this device improves outcomes.

Review of anticoagulation considerations in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Since its first success in 1975, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used with increasing frequency for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary bypass. Use in adults has increased exponentially since the early 2000s, but despite thousands of international cannulations using both veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO, there are still significant hemocompatibility-related adverse events. Current management of anticoagulation has been based on the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidance published in 2014 with recent updates published in 2022. Despite this guidance, there is still limited international consensus on how to manage anticoagulation in ECMO. For this review, we completed a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases to identify studies pertaining to anticoagulation of adult patients on VV or VA-ECMO. The highest priority was given to sources that were prospective, randomized, controlled studies, but in the absence of such resources, observational studies, retrospective uncontrolled studies, and case series/reports were considered for inclusion. This document serves to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of management pertaining to anticoagulation relating to ECMO.

Lung ultrasound to evaluate pulmonary changes in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in patients with cardiogenic shock treated by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in Xuzhou Central Hospital from September 2015 to April 2022. Patients with cardiogenic shock who received VA-ECMO treatment were enrolled in this study. The LUS score was obtained at the different time points of ECMO.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were divided into a survival group (n = 16) and a nonsurvival group (n = 6). The intensive care unit (ICU) mortality was 27.3% (6/22). The LUS scores in the nonsurvival group were significantly higher than those in the survival group after 72 h (P < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between LUS scores and PaO₂/FiO₂ and LUS scores and pulmonary dynamic compliance(Cdyn) after 72 h of ECMO treatment (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of T₇₂-LUS was 0.964 (95% CI 0.887 ~ 1.000, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

LUS is a promising tool for evaluating pulmonary changes in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing VA-ECMO.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study had been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(NO.ChiCTR2200062130 and 24/07/2022).

Quantitative evaluation of hemodynamic parameters by echocardiography in patients with post-cardiotomy cardiac shock supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

When drugs fail to reverse post-cardiotomy cardiac shock (PCS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered the most effective adjuvant strategy. Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful imaging modality for monitoring of cardiac hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography for monitoring the left and right heart hemodynamics in PCS patients before, during, and after weaning from ECMO.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients were divided into successful weaning group (group A, n = 23) and non-successful weaning group (group B, n = 29). Hemodynamic parameters measured by echocardiography were collected before, during, and after ECMO. The intra-group changes and inter-group differences were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In group A, the central venous pressure (CVP), proximal right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), velocity of tricuspid valve (TVDV), and systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus ([Formula: see text]) during ECMO were significantly lower than those before ECMO. After ECMO, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), systolic velocity of mitral annulus ([Formula: see text]), and velocity-time integral of LV outflow tract (LVOT-VTI) were higher than pre-ECMO levels, and CVP, LVEF, [Formula: see text], LVOT-VTI, RVOT, TAPSE, TVDV and [Formula: see text] were higher than those during ECMO (all P < 0.05). In group B, compared to pre-ECMO, subjects exhibited decreased CVP, RVOT, TAPSE, TVDV and [Formula: see text] during ECMO. TAPSE, TVDV, and [Formula: see text] were continuously lower after ECMO, while CVP and RVOT increased after ECMO (all P < 0.05). After ECMO, LVEF, [Formula: see text], LVOT-VTI, TAPSE, TVDV and [Formula: see text] in group A were higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). Inter-group comparison showed the LVEF and RV Tei indices of group A were significantly different than those of group B before, during, and after ECMO.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative assessment of both LV and RV by echocardiography is important for ECMO weaning. Patients with better LVEF and lower RV Tei index may have a better chance of successful weaning from ECMO.

Impact of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation on Right Ventricular Function After Heart Transplantation

Aims

Acute right ventricular failure remains a common challenging clinical syndrome in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. While extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a proven strategy for the treatment of this condition, the outcomes after weaning and during follow up remain understudied. We aimed to evaluate the right-sided heart function in ECMO survivors following HTx.

Methods

Between September 2005 and December 2019, 205 patients with end-stage heart failure who underwent standard orthotopic HTx were enrolled. In total, 68 (33.2%) patients were included in the ECMO group and 137 (66.8%) patients were included in the non-ECMO group.

Results

Of the 68 patients in the ECMO group, 42 (61.8%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. After a median follow-up period of 53 months, there were 25 (59.5%) and 27 (23.7%) deaths in the ECMO and non-ECMO groups (P = 0.023), respectively. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) before discharge (P = 0.003) was the unique predictor of all-cause mortality during follow up. Meanwhile, patients in the ECMO group with more than moderate SPAP increase before discharge had higher mortality than patients in the non-ECMO group without such increase (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Recipient right-sided heart characteristics were strong predictors of ECMO need after HTx. ECMO patients had high mortality in the perioperative and follow-up periods, and the changes in right ventricular function in ECMO patients may be associated with pulmonary vessel injury before and after HTx.

Understanding the "extracorporeal membrane oxygenation gap" in veno-arterial configuration for adult patients: Timing and causes of death

Timing and causes of hospital mortality in adult patients undergoing veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐A ECMO) have been poorly described. Aim of the current review was to investigate the timing and causes of death of adult patients supported with V‐A ECMO and subsequently define the “V‐A ECMO gap,” which represents the patients who are successfully weaned of ECMO but eventually die during hospital stay. A systematic search was performed using electronic MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through PubMed. Studies reporting on adult V‐A ECMO patients from January 1993 to December 2020 were screened. The studies included in this review were studies that reported more than 10 adult, human patients, and no mechanical circulatory support other than V‐A ECMO. Information extracted from each study included mainly mortality and causes of death on ECMO and after weaning. Complications and discharge rates were also extracted. Sixty studies with 9181 patients were included for analysis in this systematic review. Overall mortality was 38.0% (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 34.2%‐41.9%) during V‐A ECMO support (reported by 60 studies) and 15.3% (95% CI 11.1%‐19.5%, reported by 57 studies) after weaning. Finally, 44.0% of patients (95% CI 39.8‐52.2) were discharged from hospital (reported by 60 studies). Most common causes of death on ECMO were multiple organ failure, followed by cardiac failure and neurological causes. More than one‐third of V‐A ECMO patients die during ECMO support. Additionally, many of successfully weaned patients still decease during hospital stay, defining the “V‐A ECMO gap.” Underreporting and lack of uniformity in reporting of important parameters remains problematic in ECMO research. Future studies should uniformly define timing and causes of death in V‐A ECMO patients to better understand the effectiveness and complications of this support.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock after coronary endarterectomy

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes of cardiogenic shock patients who were supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) after coronary endarterectomy (CE) have not yet been reported. We conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the short-term outcomes of patients supported with VA-ECMO after CE.

METHODS

Patients (n = 32) who received VA-ECMO refractory cardiogenic shock after CE between January 2011 and December 2020 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (63%) could be weaned from VA-ECMO, and 12 patients (38%) survived to hospital discharge. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time on VA-ECMO support was 4 (3-6) days. The median (IQR) length of ICU stay and hospital stay were 9 (5-13) and 20 (15-27) days, respectively. Neurological complications were observed in 4 (13%) of the patients. ECMO-related complications occurred in 9 (28%) of the patients. SAVE score was identified as an independent protective factor for in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.91; p = 0.009). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for SAVE score was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.67-0.98). SOFA score (0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94) and EuroSCORE (0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-0.97) also exhibited good performances.

CONCLUSIONS

VA-ECMO is an acceptable technique for the treatment of cardiogenic shock in patients undergoing CE. SAVE score might be a useful tool to predict survival for these patients. Prospective studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes of hospital survivors.

Mitral valve replacement through mini sternotomy after long ECMO course: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is defined as an abnormal reversal of blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium (LA). It is caused by disruption in any part of the mitral valve apparatus. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of management for severe cases.

CASE SUMMARY

We are reporting a case of pneumonia with severe sepsis, that had a complicated hospital course. The patient developed multi-organ failure. Echocardiography on admission showed severe mitral regurgitation. He required early mechanical ventilation and then Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) over 29 days. He might be the first case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in our hospital. Mitral valve replacement was done after stabilization of the patient and weaning from the ECMO.

DISCUSSION

Our report demonstrates that the use of a long term VV-ECMO as a bridge for stabilization, facilitates management of the critically ill respiratory failure patient with severe MR and patient outcomes. Still the long-term results and the optimal timing of intervention need more research to define.

CONCLUSION

Our report demonstrates that the use of a long term VV ECMO facilitates management of patients with respiratory failure associated with severe MR. Future studies focusing on stabilizing such patients, might help to define the optimal timing for intervention in these patients and the long-term outcome.

Outcome of Repeat Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

OBJECTIVE

Data on patients requiring a second run of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support in patients affected by postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) are very limited. The authors aimed to investigate the effect of a second run of VA-ECMO on PCS patient survival.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of an international registry.

SETTING

Multicenter study, tertiary university hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Data on adult PCS patients receiving a second run of VA-ECMO.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 674 patients with a mean age of 62.9 ± 12.7 years were analyzed, and 21 (3.1%) patients had a second run of VA-ECMO. None of them required more than two VA-ECMO runs. The median duration of VA-ECMO therapy was 135 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 61-226) in patients who did not require a VA-ECMO rerun. In the rerun VA-ECMO group the median overall duration of VA-ECMO therapy was 183 hours (IQR 107-344), and the median duration of the first run was 114 hours (IQR 66-169). Nine (42.9%) of the patients who required a second run of VA-ECMO died during VA-ECMO therapy, whereas five (23.8%) survived to hospital discharge. No differences between patients treated with single or second VA-ECMO runs were observed in terms of hospital mortality and late survival. In patients requiring a second VA-ECMO run, the actuarial survival estimates at three and 12 months after VA-ECMO weaning were 23.8% ± 9.3% and 19.6% ± 6.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat VA-ECMO therapy is a valid treatment strategy for PCS patients. Early and late survivals are similar between patients who have undergone a single or second run of VA-ECMO.

In reply to: "Intra-aortic balloon pump protects against hydrostatic pulmonary oedema during peripheral venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation"

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an increasingly utilized life-saving measure. However, left-ventricular distention from inadequate left-ventricular off-loading can lead to unwanted pulmonary and cardiac complications. We are writing to indicate our agreement with a recent article by Brechot et al. published in the June 2017 issue where the authors demonstrated that intra-aortic balloon pump provides mechanical support to off-load the left ventricle during VA-ECMO, which prevents pulmonary edema.

Outcomes from adult veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a cardiovascular disease center from 2009 to 2019

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an imperative short-term cardiopulmonary support device now. We aimed to provide a single-center experience of veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO management and identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients who received V-A ECMO between 2009 and 2019 in a cardiovascular disease center. The risk factor analysis of in-hospital mortality was conducted.

RESULTS

The study reviewed 236 patients, with an overall survival rate of 68.2%. The survivors' blood lactate concentration is significantly lower than non-survivors [7.4 (7.8) vs 11.1 (9.7), p = 0.002]. Patients who received heart transplantation were with higher in-hospital survival rate. Survivors developed less hepatic dysfunction, acute kidney injury and myocardial damage [23 (14.3%) vs 19 (25.3%), p = 0.039; 81 (50.3%) vs 51 (68%), p = 0.011; 24 (14.9%) vs 22 (29.3%), p = 0.009, respectively], with higher rate of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) [56 (34.8%) vs 53 (70.7%), p < 0.001]. Fewer survivors' 24 hours and total chest drainage was over 1000 mL, and the rate of re-exploration as well as red blood cell and platelet transfusion were lower in survivors. In multivariate analysis, female, pre-ECMO blood lactate concentration, hyperlipidemia, CRRT, and 24 hours chest drainage ⩾ 1000 mL were risk factors of early mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

By providing a general description of V-A ECMO practice at a single-center in China. Post-heart transplant graft failure was associated with numerically, the greatest survival in our practice. Furthermore, female sex, pre-ECMO blood lactate concentration, hyperlipidemia, CRRT, and high blood loss in chest drains are predictors of mortality in patients who undergo V-A ECMO.

Do-(Not-)Mechanical-Circulatory-Support Orders: Should We Ask All Cardiac Surgery Patients for Informed Consent for Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Circulatory Support?

Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) has seen a substantial increase in use over the past 10 years. PC-ECLS can be a life-saving procedure and is mostly applied in the presence of unexpected, severe cardio-respiratory complication. Despite PC-ECLS being critical in allowing for organ recovery, it is unfortunately closely connected with an unpredictable outcomes, high morbidity, and, even in the case of cardiac function improvement, potential sustained disabilities that have a life-changing impact for the patient and his or her family. Since the decision to start PC-ECLS is made in an acute setting, there is often only limited or no time for self-determined choices. Due to the major impact of the intervention, it would be highly desirable to obtain informed consent before starting PC-ECLS, since the autonomy of the patient and shared-decision making are two of the most important ethical values in modern medicine. Recent developments regarding awareness of the impacts of a prolonged intensive care stay make this a particularly relevant topic. Therefore, it would be desirable to develop a structural strategy that takes into account the likelihood of such an intervention and the wishes and preferences of the patient, and thus the related autonomy of the patient. This article proposes key points for such a strategy in the form of a PC-ECLS informed consent, a do-(not-)mechanical-circulatory-support order (D(N)MCS), and specific guidelines to determine the extent of the shared decision making. The concept presented in this article could be a starting point for improved and ethical PC-ECLS treatment and application.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Score Is Related to Short-term Mortality in Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Surgery

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score is associated with short-term mortality in various conditions but has not been studied in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between DIC score at day 1 from VA-ECMO initiation and short-term mortality. We included all PCS patients supported with VA-ECMO at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 2015 and December 2018. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between DIC score at day 1 and in-hospital mortality, and adjust for potential confounding variables. Of 222 PCS patients treated with VA-ECMO, 145 (65%) patients were weaned from VA-ECMO, and median (IQR) ECMO support duration was five (3-6) days. In-hospital mortality was 53%. The median (IQR) DIC score at day 1 was five (4-6). Patients with DIC score ≥5 at day 1 (overt DIC) had higher in-hospital mortality as compared with patients with DIC score <5 (64% vs. 22%; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, ECMO indication, and peak serum lactate, a one-point rise in DIC score [OR, 2.20; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.64-2.95] or DIC score ≥5 at day 1 (OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 2.42-10.24) was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for DIC score at day 1 was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.69-0.82). Our study suggests that DIC score at day 1 is associated with short-term mortality in patients undergoing VA-ECMO after cardiac surgery, independent of age, sex, disease characteristics, and severity of illness.

Duration of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Mortality in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

OBJECTIVE

The optimal duration of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients affected by postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) remains controversial. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of VA-ECMO duration on hospital outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of an international registry.

SETTING

Multicenter study including 19 tertiary university hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Between January 2010 and March 2018, data on PCS patients receiving VA-ECMO were retrieved from the multicenter PC-ECMO registry.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were stratified according to the following different durations of VA-ECMO therapy: ≤three days, four-to-seven days, eight-to-ten days, and >ten days.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 725 patients, with a mean age of 62.9 ± 12.9 years, were included. The mean duration of VA-ECMO was 7.1 ± 6.3 days (range 0-39 d), and 39.4% of patients were supported for ≤three days, 29.1% for four-seven days, 15.3% for eight-ten days, and finally 20.7% for >ten days. A total of 391 (53.9%) patients were weaned from VA-ECMO successfully; however, 134 (34.3%) of those patients died before discharge. Multivariate logistic regression showed that prolonged duration of VA-ECMO therapy (four-seven days: adjusted rate 53.6%, odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.44; eight-ten days: adjusted rate 61.3%, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.87; and >ten days: adjusted rate 59.3%, OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31-0.81) was associated with lower risk of mortality compared with VA-ECMO lasting ≤three days (adjusted rate 78.3%). Patients requiring VA-ECMO therapy for eight-ten days (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.15-3.33) and >10 days (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.14-3.02) had significantly greater mortality compared with those on VA-ECMO for 4 to 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

PCS patients weaned from VA-ECMO after four-seven days of support had significantly less mortality compared with those with shorter or longer mechanical support.

Effect of an intra-aortic balloon pump with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on mortality of patients with cardiogenic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis†

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) concomitant with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is frequently used to support patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Because of the lack of evidence of the adjunctive benefit, the goal of the study was to compare the effect of VA-ECMO plus IABP with that of VA-ECMO alone. Systematic searches were conducted to identify studies using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Studies reporting on patients with adult CS treated with VA-ECMO plus IABP or VA-ECMO alone were identified and included. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. The secondary outcomes included neurological, gastrointestinal and limb-related complications. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42017069259). A total of 29 studies comprising 4576 patients were included. The pooled in-hospital deaths of patients on VA-ECMO were 1441/2285 (63.1%) compared with 1339/2291 (58.4%) for patients with adjunctive IABP. VA-ECMO plus IABP was associated with decreased in-hospital deaths [risk ratio (RR) 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.95; P < 0.0001]. Moreover, IABP was related to decreased in-hospital deaths of patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, postcardiotomy CS and ischaemic heart disease (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64-0.95; P = 0.01; RR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85-0.98; P = 0.008; RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.73-0.96, P = 0.009). Neurological, gastrointestinal and limb-related complications did not differ significantly between patients on ECMO with and without concurrent IABP. VA-ECMO plus IABP was associated with decreased in-hospital deaths in patients with CS.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postcardiotomy-A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cardiac surgery has been established in cases of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, which is refractory to conventional therapy with inotropes and intra-aortic balloon pulsation support. We sought to examine the literature in a systematic review manner on the outcomes of using ECMO postcardiac surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic literature search was done to identify all the articles that have discussed the use of ECMO postcardiac surgery. The keywords and medical subject headings terms were used to identify the relevant articles. Studies have been screened according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

The identified studies have been summarized in each relevant section of this study. Cardiogenic shock postcardiac surgery can benefit from ECMO to varying degrees and the survival for this; otherwise, fatal condition has been shown to be improving through the use of ECMO. However, the decision and timing to initiate ECMO therapy remains selective and is dependent on a range of factors such as patient factor, clinician's judgment, meaning there is no consistent and solid ground regarding the timing of ECMO initiation.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that the circulatory support provided by ECMO improves survival rates for postcardiac surgery cardiogenic shock patients who are refractory to inotropic management, without such ECMO support patient mortality rates would be much greater.

Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Acute Heart Failure

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a challenging syndrome, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although pharmacological therapies are successful and can successfully control this acute cardiac illness, some patients remain refractory to drugs. Therefore, a more aggressive treatment strategy is needed. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (TCS) can be used to stabilise patients with decompensated heart failure. In the last two decades, the increased use of TCS has led to several kinds of devices becoming available. However, indications for TCS and device selection are part of a complex process. It is necessary to evaluate the severity of CS, any early and prompt haemodynamic resuscitation, prior TCS, specific patient risk factors, technical limitations and adequacy of resources and training, as well as an assessment of whether care would be futile. This article examines options for commonly used TCS devices, including intra-aortic balloon pumps, a pulsatile percutaneous ventricular assist device (the iVAC), veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella (Abiomed) and TandemHeart (LivaNova) percutaneous ventricular assist device.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in adult patients: predictors of in-hospital mortality and failure to be weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) is a rare clinical entity associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by heart failure that results in an inability to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with PCCS and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and failure to be weaned from ECMO. From January 2002 to August 2016, 3248 patients underwent cardiac surgery in our hospital. Of these, 29 patients (0.89%) required ECMO because of an inability to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The median duration of ECMO support was 144 h (340-52 h) (range 17-818 h). Sixteen patients (55.2%) were weaned from ECMO, and 6 (20.7%) survived to hospital discharge. The multivariate analysis revealed that reoperation [odds ratio (OR): 13.667, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.999-187.056, p = 0.05] and ECMO support duration > 130 h (OR: 17.688, 95% CI: 1.324-236.233, p = 0.03) were independent predictors of failure to be weaned from ECMO. Temporarily being weaned from CPB > 15 min (OR: 0.027, 95% CI: 0.001-0.586, p = 0.02) was found to be a protective factor. The multivariate analysis revealed that CPB time > 270 min (OR: 12.503, 95% CI: 1.058-147.718, p = 0.05) and ECMO support duration > 60 h (OR: 12.503, 95% CI: 1.058-147.718, p = 0.05) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. ECMO is an acceptable technique for treating PCCS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Our data suggest a reevaluation of therapeutic strategies after 60 h and again after 130 h of ECMO support.

30-Day Outcomes Post Veno-Arterial Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) After Cardiac Surgery and Predictors of Survival

BACKGROUND

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is sometimes needed for post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS). There is little data regarding outcomes in the Australian context, particularly in a non-cardiac transplant centre. Our aim was to report on 30-day outcomes after patients with PCCS treated with VA-ECMO in an Australian non-cardiac transplant tertiary centre, and to determine risk factors for non-survival in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all adults treated with VA-ECMO for PCCS between August 2001 and September 2016 at our centre. Univariate analysis with adjustment for multiplicity identified risk factors for non-survival. Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) method was used to assess their predictive value.

RESULTS

We identified 64 patients out of 5,502 open-heart surgery cases of which three patients did not meet inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) age was 63 (14) years. Survival to hospital discharge or 30 days post VA-ECMO occurred in 27/61 (44%) patients. VA-ECMO was able to be weaned in 44/61 patients (72%); 54/61 patients (89%) had at least one major complication. Prior to VA-ECMO initiation, no statistically significant differences between survivors and non-survivors could be determined. After VA-ECMO initiation, only 24-hour nadir lactate and 48-hour nadir lactate levels were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors (1.50 mmol/L vs 3.20 mmol/L p=0.001; and 1.20 mmol/L vs. 1.90 mmol/L p=0.001 respectively). For mortality prediction, 24- and 48-hour nadir lactate levels had AUROCs of 0.775 and 0.782, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

VA-ECMO is associated with acceptable survival rates but significant morbidity. Nadir lactate levels in the first 24 and 48 hours after VA-ECMO initiation may be useful in predicting early survival.

Predictors for unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background:

Studies reporting risk factors associated with unsuccessful weaning for coronary artery bypass grafting patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are scarce. This study was designed to identify factors associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Methods:

Data from 166 coronary artery bypass grafting patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between February 2004 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using bootstrapping methodology to identify factors independently associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (64%) could be weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 74 patients (45%) were alive at hospital discharge. The 30-day and 60-day survival rates after ECMO weaning were 72% and 70%, respectively. Pre-existing hypertension (odds ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-5.56; p = 0.02), serum creatinine (+1 μmol/L; odds ratio, 1.008; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.013; p = 0.001), and serum lactate (+1 mmol/L; odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.26; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Higher platelet count was protective (+1 × 109/L; odds ratio, 0.992; 95% confidence interval, 0.986-0.998; p = 0.011). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.88) for the logistic regression model was better than those for the survival after VA-ECMO score (p = 0.002), EuroSCORE (p < 0.001), and the prEdictioN of Cardiogenic shock OUtcome foR Acute myocardial infarction patients salvaGed by VA-ECMO scores (p = 0.02) in this population. The pRedicting mortality in patients undergoing venoarterial Extracorporeal MEMBrane oxygenation after coronary artEry bypass gRafting (0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.83; p = 0.29) and sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85; p = 0.46) exhibited good performances similar to the logistic regression model.

Conclusion:

Pre-existing hypertension, serum creatinine, serum lactate, and low platelet count were independent predictors for unsuccessful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Risk factors of in-hospital mortality in adult postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

Mortality of adult postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients after successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation remains high. The objective of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality after successfully weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who were successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January 2011 and December 2016 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality after successfully weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

RESULTS

In total, 212 (58.4%) of 363 postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients were successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The non-survivors had a longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation than the survivors (120.0 (98.0, 160.50) vs. 100.0 (77.0, 126.0), p = 0.000). Variables associated with mortality of patients successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation by univariable analysis were age, diabetes, vasoactive inotropic score pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, vasoactive inotropic score at weaning, left ventricular ejection fraction at weaning, central venous pressure at weaning, sequential organ failure assessment score pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, sequential organ failure assessment at weaning, survival after venoarterial ECMO pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and survival after venoarterial ECMO at weaning. In the multivariate analysis, sequential organ failure assessment score at weaning (odds ratio = 1.889, 95% confidence interval = 1.460-2.455, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality of patients successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The cumulative 30-day survival rate in patients with a sequential organ failure assessment score < 7 was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than in patients with a sequential organ failure assessment score ⩾ 7 (87% vs. 56.7%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vasoactive inotropic score, left ventricular ejection fraction, central venous pressure, and sequential organ failure assessment score at weaning were associated with in-hospital mortality for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Sequential organ failure assessment score might help clinicians to predict in-hospital mortality for patients successfully weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Optimal Strategy and Timing of Left Ventricular Venting During Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Life Support for Adults in Cardiogenic Shock

Background:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) is widely used to treat refractory cardiogenic shock. However, increased left ventricular (LV) afterload in VA-ECLS can worsen pulmonary congestion and compromise myocardial recovery. Our objectives were to explore the efficacy, safety, and optimal timing of adjunctive LV venting strategies.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CDSR, CCRCT, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and WHO ICTRP from inception until January 2019 for all relevant studies, including LV venting. Data were analyzed for mortality and weaning from VA-ECLS on the basis of timing of LV venting, along with adverse complications.

Results:

A total of 7995 patients were included from 62 observational studies, wherein 3458 patients had LV venting during VA-ECLS. LV venting significantly improved weaning from VA-ECLS (odds ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.47–0.83]; P =0.001) and reduced short-term (30 day; risk ratio [RR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.96]; P =0.008) but not in-hospital (RR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.83–1.01] P =0.09) or long-term (6 months; RR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.90–1.03]; P =0.27) mortality. Early (<12 hours; RR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75–0.99]; P =0.03) but not late (≥12 hours; RR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.71–1.38]; P =0.93) LV venting significantly reduced short-term mortality. Patients with LV venting spent more time on VA-ECLS (3.6 versus 2.8 days, P <0.001), and mechanical ventilation (7.1 versus 4.6 days, P =0.013). With the exception of hemolysis (RR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.58–3.01]; P <0.00001), overall adverse events did not differ.

Conclusions:

LV venting, especially if done early (<12 hours), appears to be associated with an increased success of weaning and reduced short-term mortality. Future studies are required to delineate the importance of any or early LV venting adjuncts on mortality and morbidity outcomes.

Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Use in Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

There are contrasting reports on the effectiveness of a concomitant intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in cardiogenic shock patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). This study sought to compare short-term mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO with and without IABP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the published literature from 2000 to 2018 for studies evaluating adult patients requiring VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock with concomitant IABP. Studies reporting short-term mortality were included. Meta-analysis of the association of IABP with mortality was performed using Mantel-Haenszel models. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Twenty-two observational studies with 4653 patients were included. These studies showed high heterogeneity for the total and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock cohorts and low heterogeneity for the AMI cohort. Short-term mortality was not significantly different in patients with and without IABP 42.1% versus 57.8%; risk ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.52-1.22; P=0.30. However, concomitant IABP with VA-ECMO was associated with lower mortality in patients with AMI (50.8% versus 62.4%; risk ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46-0.67; P<0.001). There was no difference in mortality in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and mixed causes for cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiogenic shock patients requiring VA-ECMO support, the use of IABP did not influence mortality in the total cohort. In patients with AMI, use of IABP with VA-ECMO was associated with 18.5% lower mortality in comparison to patients on VA-ECMO alone. Further randomized studies are warranted to corroborate these observational data.

Predicting mortality in patients undergoing VA-ECMO after coronary artery bypass grafting: the REMEMBER score

Background

Prediction scoring systems for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have not yet been reported. This study was designed to develop a predictive score for in-hospital mortality for cardiogenic shock patients who received VA-ECMO after isolated CABG.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive CABG patients supported with VA-ECMO (n = 166) at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between February 2004 and March 2017.

Results

One hundred and six patients (64%) could be weaned from VA-ECMO, and 74 patients (45%) survived to hospital discharge. On the basis of multivariable logistic regression analyses, the pRedicting mortality in patients undergoing veno-arterial Extracorporeal MEMBrane oxygenation after coronary artEry bypass gRafting (REMEMBER) score was created with six pre-ECMO parameters: older age, left main coronary artery disease, inotropic score > 75, CK-MB > 130 IU/L, serum creatinine > 150 umol/L, and platelet count < 100 × 10⁹/L. Four risk classes, namely class I (REMEMBER score 0–13), class II (14–19), class III (20–25), and class IV (> 25) with their corresponding mortality (13%, 55%, 70%, and 94%, respectively), were identified. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.85(95% CI 0.79–0.91) for the REMEMBER score was better than those for the SOFA, SAVE, EuroSCORE, and ENCOURAGE scores in this population.

Conclusions

The REMEMBER score might help clinicians at bedside to predict in-hospital mortality for patients receiving VA-ECMO after isolated CABG for refractory cardiogenic shock. Prospective studies are needed to externally validate this scoring system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2307-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Despite advances in management techniques and medical therapy, refractory cardiogenic shock remains a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the outcomes associated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) use in the setting of refractory cardiogenic shock, stratified per survivorship.

Methods

A literature search was performed using three electronic databases from the date of their inception up to June 2018. The literature search and subsequent data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Digitized survival data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier curves in order to re-create the original patient data using an iterative algorithm and were subsequently aggregated for analysis.

Results

Fifty-two studies were included, with 44 undergoing quantitative analysis. A total of 17,515 patients were identified, with a mean age of 58.4±9.4 years and a mean duration of ECMO support of 5.1±2.6 days; 68.7% of the patients were male. Aggregated survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years were 36.7%, 34.8%, 33.8% and 29.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The present systematic review illustrates the expected survival results for VA-ECMO in the intermediate- to long-term. Extended follow-up and standardized reporting measures are urgently needed in order to carry out more definitive subgroup analyses.

Concurrent Implantation of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Improved Survival of Patients With Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock

The aim of this study is to report the combined application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) in postcardiotomy cardiac shock (PCS). A total of 60 consecutive patients who received both ECMO and IABP (concomitantly 24 hours) for PCS from February 2006 to March 2017 at Fuwai Hospital were included in our study. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected retrospectively and compared between survivors and non‐survivors. Logistic regression analysis was used as predictors for survival to discharge. The study cohort had a mean age of 51.4±12.7 years with 75% males. ECMO was implanted intra‐operatively in 38 (63%) patients and post‐operatively in 22 (37%) patients. ECMO was implanted concurrently with IABP in 38 (63%) patients. Heart transplantation (38%) and coronary artery bypass graft (33%) were the main surgical procedures. ECMO was weaned successfully in 48% patients, and the rate of survival to discharge was 43%. Survivors showed less bedside ECMO implantation (12% vs. 41%, P=0.012) and more concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP (81% vs. 50%, P=0.014). Concurrent implantation of IABP with ECMO (OR=0.177, P=0.015, 95% CI: 0.044‐0.718) was an independent predictor of survival to discharge. As for complications, the rate of renal failure (59% vs. 15%, P=0.001) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (29% vs. 0, P=0.003) was higher in patients who failed to survive to discharge. Patients who had heart transplantation had a better long‐term survival than others (P=0.0358). In summary, concurrent implantation of ECMO with IABP provides better short‐term outcome for PCS and combined application of ECMO with IABP for PCS after heart transplantation had a favorable long‐term outcome.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge for enabling surgery in a patient under cardiogenic shock due to acute mitral prosthesis dysfunction

A 52-year-old male patient, who underwent mitral replacement with a mechanical prosthesis as a child, sustained a cardiac arrest which was successfully resuscitated. Further investigation showed prosthesis malfunction with significant regurgitation in the context of multi-organ failure. In such a life-threatening condition, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was considered as a rescue procedure to achieve optimisation of clinical status to allow definitive surgical treatment. An unusual complete fracture of the prosthesis was subsequently identified as the cause of acute dysfunction.

Lactate Elevation During and After Major Cardiac Surgery in Adults: A Review of Etiology, Prognostic Value, and Management

Elevated lactate is a common occurrence after cardiac surgery. This review summarizes the literature on the complex etiology of lactate elevation during and after cardiac surgery, including considerations of oxygen delivery, oxygen utilization, increased metabolism, lactate clearance, medications and fluids, and postoperative complications. Second, the association between lactate and a variety of outcomes are described, and the prognostic role of lactate is critically assessed. Despite the fact that elevated lactate is strongly associated with many important outcomes, including postoperative complications, length of stay, and mortality, little is known about the optimal management of postoperative patients with lactate elevations. This review ends with an assessment of the limited literature on this subject.

Intra-aortic balloon pump protects against hydrostatic pulmonary oedema during peripheral venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background:

Increased left ventricular afterload during peripheral venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support frequently causes hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. Because physiological studies demonstrated left ventricular afterload decrease during VA-ECMO assistance combined with the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), we progressively changed our standard practice systematically to associate an IABP with VA-ECMO. This study aimed to evaluate IABP efficacy in preventing pulmonary oedema in VA-ECMO-assisted patients.

Methods:

A retrospective single-centre study.

Results:

Among 259 VA-ECMO patients included, 104 received IABP. Weinberg radiological score-assessed pulmonary oedema was significantly lower in IABP+ than IABP– patients at all times after ECMO implantation. This protection against pulmonary oedema persisted when death and switching to central ECMO were used as competing risks (subhazard ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.75; P<0.001). Multivariable analysis retained IABP as being independently associated with a lower risk of radiological pulmonary oedema (odds ratio (OR) 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.7; P=0.001) and a trend towards lower mortality (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–1.01; P=0.06). Finally, the time on ECMO free from mechanical ventilation increased in IABP+ patients (2.2±4.3 vs. 0.7±2.0 days; P=0.0003). Less frequent pulmonary oedema and more days off mechanical ventilation were also confirmed in 126 highly comparable IABP+ and IABP– patients, propensity score matched for receiving an IABP.

Conclusions:

Associating an IABP with peripheral VA-ECMO was independently associated with a lower frequency of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema and more days off mechanical ventilation under ECMO.

Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the use of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD). We identified aTAAD surgical patients at risk of ECMO implantation postoperatively and analyzed the prognosis of these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 162 consecutive aTAAD patients undergoing operations from January 2008 to December 2015. Patient data were analyzed for risk factors leading to an ECMO requirement. Short-term and long-term outcomes in patients who did and did not require ECMO were compared.

RESULTS

Postoperative ECMO was required in 20 patients (12.3%), and in-hospital mortality was higher in the ECMO group (65.0% vs 8.5%, p < 0.001). Factors predicting postoperative ECMO were preoperative hemodynamic instability (p = 0.049), aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.036), and postoperative peak creatinine kinase-MB (p = 0.002). ECMO survivors presented at a younger age (p = 0.036) and had a less postoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.034) than ECMO nonsurvivors. The postdischarge survival rate was equivalent in patients with or without ECMO support.

CONCLUSIONS

Although postoperative ECMO is an important predictor of in-hospital death, this pilot study showed that aTAAD patients supported with postoperative ECMO who survive to hospital discharge have a long-term survival comparable to patients who did not receive ECMO.

An arterio-venous bridge for gradual weaning from adult veno-arterial extracorporeal life support

Purpose: Weaning from extracorporeal life support (ELS) is particularly challenging when cardiac recovery is slow, largely incomplete and hard to predict. Therefore, we describe an individualized gradual weaning strategy using an arterio-venous (AV) bridge incorporated into the circuit to facilitate weaning. Methods: Thirty adult patients weaned from veno-arterial ELS using an AV bridge were retrospectively analyzed. Serial echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring were used to assess cardiac recovery and load responsiveness. Upon early signs of myocardial recovery, an AV bridge with an Hoffman clamp was added to the circuit and weaning was initiated. Support flow was reduced stepwise by 10-15% every 2 to 8 hours while the circuit flow was maintained at 3.5-4.5 L/min. Results: The AV bridge facilitated gradual weaning in all 30 patients (median age: 66 [53-71] years; 21 males) over a median period of 25 [8-32] hours, with a median support duration of 96 [31-181] hours. During weaning, the median left ventricular ejection fraction was 25% [15-32] and the median velocity time integral of the aortic valve was 16 cm [10-23]. Through the weaning period, the mean arterial blood pressure was maintained at 70 mmHg and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 60±10 seconds without additional systemic heparinization. Neither macroscopic thrombus formation in the ELS circuit during and after weaning nor clinically relevant thromboembolism was observed. Conclusion: Incorporation of an AV bridge for weaning from veno-arterial ELS is safe and feasible to gradually wean patients with functional cardiac recovery without compromising the circuit integrity.

Cardiopulmonary bypass and intra-aortic balloon pump use is associated with higher short and long term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a PARTNER trial substudy

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the balloon-expandable Sapien transcatheter heart valve improves survival compared to standard therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and is noninferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients at high operative risk. Nonetheless, a significant proportion of patients may require pre-emptive or emergent support with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and/or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) during TAVR due to pre-existing comorbid conditions or as a result of procedural complications.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that patients who required CPB or IABP would have increased periprocedural complications and reduced long-term survival. In addition, we sought to determine whether preprocedural variables could predict the need for CPB and IABP.

METHODS

The study population included 2,525 patients in the PARTNER Trial (Cohort A and B) and the continuing access registry (CAR). Patients that received CPB or IABP were compared to patients that did not receive either, and then further divided into those that received support pre-TAVR and those that were placed on support emergently.

RESULTS

One-hundred sixty-three patients (6.5%) were placed on CPB and/or IABP. The use of CPB or IABP was associated with higher 1 year mortality (49.1% vs. 21.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, utilization of CPB or IABP was an independent predictor of 30 day (HR 6.95) and 1-year (HR 2.56) mortality. Although mortality was highest in emergent cases, mortality was also greater in planned CPB and IABP cases compared with non-CPB/IABP cases (53.3% and 40.3% vs. 21.6%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that CPB and IABP use in TAVR portends a poor prognosis and its utilization, particularly in the setting of pre-emptive use, needs reconsideration.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on survival and complication rates in adults with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

SETTING

University hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand one hundred ninety-nine patients from 22 observational studies.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Observational studies published from the year 2000 onwards, examining at least 10 adult patients who received ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest were included. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation and DerSimonian-Laird random-effect model. Survival to discharge was 40.2% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 33.9-46.7), while survival at 3, 6, and 12 months was 55.9% (95% CI, 41.5-69.8), 47.6% (95% CI, 25.4-70.2), and 54.4% (95% CI, 36.6-71.7), respectively. Survival up to 30 days was higher in cardiogenic shock patients (52.5%, 95% CI, 43.7%-61.2%) compared to cardiac arrest (36.2%, 95% CI, 23.1%-50.4%). Concurrently, complication rates were particularly substantial for neurologic deficits (13.3%, 95% CI, 8.3-19.3), infection (25.1%, 95%CI, 15.9-35.5), and renal impairment (47.4%, 95% CI, 30.2-64.9). Significant heterogeneity was detected, although its levels were similar to previous meta-analyses that only examined short-term survival to discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Venoarterial ECMO can improve short-term survival in adults with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. It also may provide favorable long-term survival at up to 3 years postdischarge. However, ECMO also is associated with significant complication rates, which must be incorporated into the risk-benefit analysis when considering treatment. These findings require confirmation by large, adequately controlled and standardized trials with long-term follow-up.

Outcome of Patients with Infective Endocarditis who were Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Infective endocarditis is a potentially life threatening condition. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity resulting mostly due to cardiorespiratory failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a modality of treatment used to support hypoxic respiratory failure especially in patients who are already on mechanical ventilation. Continuous renal replacement therapy is added mainly for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Here we report a case series of patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis who were treated with combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy. Three patients in the age group 20-60 years were admitted with clinical features suggestive of infective endocarditis. During the course of hospital stay they developed cardiorespiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for refractory hypoxia. It was complicated by heart failure, renal failure and fluid overload which required initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy. All the three patients succumbed in spite of the aggressive treatment. In addition to the role played by each complication, delayed start of continuous renal replacement therapy might have also contributed to the high mortality. Early initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy for management of fluid overload needs to be considered in the management of these critically ill patients.