Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as lung or heart assist
Mads Gilbert1996, Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
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Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may serve as extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) in patients with acute respiratory tailure (ARF) or as extracorporeal heart assist (ECHA) in patients with low output syndrome (LOS) after open heart surgery. From 1988 to 1992 seven patients underwent ECMO in our hospital; four suffered from ARF and three from LOS. Various bypass techniques were employed. Two ARF patients, aged 58 and 18 years, had veno-venous bypass; in the latter, ECMO was reinstituted as a veno-arterial bypass one week after weaning. In a three-year-old boy, the ECMO outflow tubing was primarily connected to the pulmonary artery, and shortly afterwards relocated to the common carotid artery. In a 31-year-old man with ARF, and three LOS patients, a 56-year-old woman, and hvo men aged 68 and 70 years, ECMO was veno-arterial with direct access to the ascending aorta. A heparin-coated system w,ib used, and all but one patient, who was treated with warfarin, received a daily low dose of heparin, which was withdrawn atter from one to nine days. Six patients were weaned off ECMO after 4.5 to 21 days. Three ARF patients recovered completely; the child died. In one LOS patient, ECMO was withdrawn due to a poor general condition. Two others were weaned off ECMO and the intra-aortic balloon pump, and the inotropic support was significantly reduced, but both died of multiple system organ failure. Although no firm conclusions can be drawn from these few case reports, the heparin-coated system used as ECLA appears promising, whereas ECHA seems to imply a poor prognosis in patients who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation.
Related papers
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for Pulmonary and/or Cardiopulmonary Support—a Brief Review and Our Experience
Indian Journal of Surgery
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a modality utilized for partially or completely supporting the cardiac and/or pulmonary function. There are multiple vascular access techniques depending upon the necessity and the mode of ECMO used. ECMO has evolved over the years as an integral part of the cardiac care discipline. Historically, this lifesaving modality began as an extension of cardiopulmonary bypass and was associated with adverse outcomes. Currently, ECMO has evolved as an accepted and viable solution to patients with severe cardiac/respiratory/cardiorespiratory failure that is refractory to conservative management. The outcomes of patients on ECMO are dependent on multiple factors originating from demographic and pathophysiological status of patients as well as the control of homeostasis during ECMO within the acceptable range. Various studies have been published by many practitioners over past decades since the dawn of ECMO era. A brief review of such experience is summated, and a conclusion is derived about the clinical course of the patients on ECMO, while adding the author's experience about the same in a tertiary care large-volume center.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): extended indications for artificial support of both heart and lungs
PubMed, 1991
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used to achieve temporary artificial support in cardiac and pulmonary function in 22 patients from 1987 to September 1990. Standard indications were postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (n = 4), neonatal (n = 1) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (n = 4). ECMO was also used for extended indications, such as graft failure following heart (n = 11) or lung transplantation (n = 2). In six of these cases ECMO was instituted as a bridge device to subsequent retransplantation of either the heart (n = 4) or one lung (n = 2). One out of nine patients supported by ECMO for standard indications, and two out of 13 patients supported for extended indications are long-term survivors. This series illustrates the results with ECMO in emergency situations, in patients under immunosuppressive protocols, or in patients with advanced lung failure requiring almost complete artificial gas exchange. In such complex situations, ECMO does provide stabilization until additional therapeutic measures are in effect. ECMO cannot be recommended for postoperative cardiogenic shock but short-term ECMO support is an accepted method in most cases with graft failure or pulmonary failure or other origin.
Usefulness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for early cardiac allograft dysfunction
Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, 2011
BACKGROUND: This retrospective study investigated early outcome in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease bridged with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with the intention of lung transplantation (LTx) in 2 Scandinavian transplant centers. METHODS: ECMO was used as a bridge to LTx in 16 patients between 2005 and 2009 at Sahlgrenska and Helsinki University Hospitals. Most patients were late referrals for LTx, and all failed to stabilize on mechanical ventilation. Thirteen patients (7 men) who were a mean age of 41 Ϯ 8 years (range, 25-51 years) underwent LTx after a mean ECMO support of 17 days (range, 1-59 days). Mean follow-up at 25 Ϯ 19 months was 100% complete. RESULTS: Three patients died on ECMO while waiting for a donor, and 1 patient died 82 days after LTx; thus, by intention-to-treat, the success for bridging is 81% and 1-year survival is 75%. All other patients survived, and 1-year survival for transplant recipients was 92% Ϯ 7%. Mean intensive care unit stay after LTx was 28 Ϯ 18 days (range, 3-53 days). All patients were doing well at follow-up; however, 2 patients underwent retransplantation due to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome at 13 and 21 months after the initial ECMO bridge to LTx procedure. Lung function was evaluated at follow-up, and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 2.0 Ϯ 0.7l (62% Ϯ 23% of predicted) and forced vital capacity was 3.1 Ϯ 0.6 l (74% Ϯ 21% of predicted). CONCLUSION: ECMO used as a bridge to LTx results in excellent short-term survival in selected patients with end-stage pulmonary disease.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Graft Dysfunction Early After Heart Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2023
Primary graft failure (PGF) after heart transplantation is a detrimental complication, and carries high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of our multidisciplinary approach in supporting patients affected with PGF after heart transplantation. Methods: Out of 114 consecutive patients receiving orthotopic heart transplantation between January 2006 and July 2013, 18 (15.7%) developed PGF requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) support. Fourteen patients were male and the mean age was 49 ± 11 years. General principles in treating the patients were based on a low dose of adrenaline (0.05 mic/kg per min) infusion; femoral intra-aortic balloon pump (13 of the 18 patients); low dose of vasoconstrictors; careful fluid balance; daily echocardiographic transesophageal monitoring. Results: Mean graft recipient pulmonary vascular resistance was 3.6 ± 3.2 WU. Five patients had absolute contraindication to IABP placement. The mean left ventricle ejection fraction pre-VA-ECMO was 18.4% ± 10.2%. The mean VA-ECMO and IABP support times were 6.7 ± 3.2 and 9.2 ± 7.6 days, respectively. Mean VA-ECMO flow was 4164 ± 679 l/min. The mean left ventricle ejection fraction increased to 43.4% ± 17.7% at the end of support. Weaning and discharge rates in patients treated with VA-ECMO+IABP were 84% and 53%, respectively. Causes of death were primarily end-stage organ failure. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary evaluation of ECMO patients done by intensivists, cardiologists, and surgeons may influence weaning and survival rate. Our approach seems to be a safe and reproducible strategy for avoiding left ventricle distension and fluid overload, and for detecting complications that negatively affect outcomes.
Weaning Strategy from Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Advances in Therapy, 2016
Background: Significant advances in extracorporeal technology have led to the more widespread use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) for cardiac failure. However, procedures for weaning from VA ECMO are not standardized. High death rate after successful weaning shows that many questions remain unresolved in this field. Objectives: In this review, we discuss data from the literature and propose a strategy to optimize the weaning process. Data synthesis and conclusions: It is especially important that the VA ECMO is not removed while the patient is still recovering from the condition that necessitated the use of VA ECMO implantation. Damaged organs need to recover before attempting weaning and the patient should be considered hemodynamically stable. The etiology of cardio-circulatory dysfunction must be compatible with myocardial recovery. Finally, weaning trials using echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessments are indispensable to assess the behavior of the ventricles and to determine whether the VA ECMO can be removed.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as treatment of graft failure after heart transplantation
Annals of cardiothoracic surgery, 2019
Heart transplantation (HTx) is a valuable option in eligible patients with end-stage heart failure. The most significant complication in the immediate post-operative period is early graft failure (EGF), with a mean incidence of 20-25%. EGF is a major risk factor for death and accounts for 40-50% of early mortality after HTx. Despite the use of inotropes, EGF may persist and require temporary mechanical circulatory support. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been investigated over the years and has proved to be a reliable strategy in patients with EGF after HTx. This study aims to review the contemporary literature on this topic. Considering short-term outcomes, 45-80% of patients were discharged alive from hospital. Duration of support is variable, with a mean duration of 4-8 days. Cannulation strategy and device selection have no differences with respect to short-term outcomes. The main causes of death are multi-organ failure, bleeding, heart failure, stroke and sepsis. Considering long-term outcomes, ECMO survivors appear to have similar survival rates to HTx patients who did not experience EGF. Also, ECMO-treated EGF, among survivors, has no detrimental effect for graft function. In conclusion, ECMO is a reliable therapeutic option to support patients with severe graft failure after HTx, providing adequate support with either central or peripheral arteriovenous cannulation. Further studies will be needed to establish the correct threshold for ECMO support and to provide long-term results.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Cardiogenic Shock
Transplantation, 2016
Background. Postpneumonectomy acute respiratory distress syndrome (ppARDS) is a life-threatening condition with a disastrous prognosis. This study assessed the efficacy of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in adult patients with unresponsive severe ppARDS. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients treated with VV-ECMO for ppARDS from January 2009 to December 2015. We calculated the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score before ECMO insertion and monitored the subsequent mechanical ventilation settings. The primary end point was hospital survival. The secondary end point was the ability to achieve a protective ventilatory strategy allowing lung recovery on ECMO. Results. VV-ECMO was indicated in 8 ppARDS patients for refractory hypoxemia (median partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen: 68 [range, 60 to 75] mm Hg). Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment before ECMO was 15 (range, 12 to 17), predicting a mortality rate greater than 80%. Median duration of ECMO was 9.5 (range, 5 to 16) days. Tidal volumes and plateau pressures both decreased on ECMO (pre-ECMO tidal volume: 412 [range, 250 to 450 mL] vs ECMO tidal volume: 277 [range, 105 to 367 mL], p [ 0.0156; pre-ECMO plateau pressure: 34 [range, 32 to 40] cm H 2 O vs ECMO plateau pressure: 24.5 [range, 23.3 to 27.3] cm H 2 O, p [ 0.0195). ECMO could be weaned in 7 patients (87.5%). Hospital survival was 50%. Conclusions. Hospital survival was better than predicted before ECMO insertion. In severe and refractory ppARDS, VV-ECMO allows lung recovery and therefore increased survival.
Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation System as Salvage Treatment of Patients With Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: Preliminary Outcome Evaluation
Artificial Organs, 2012
The novel Permanent Life Support (PLS; Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) as peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support system has been investigated as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2007 and July 2011, 73 consecutive adult patients were supported on peripheral PLS ECMO system at our institution (55 men; age 60.3 Ϯ 11.6 years, range: 23-84 years). Indications for support were failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 50) and primary donor graft failure (n = 8), post-acute myocardial infarction CS (n = 12), and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 3). Mean support time was 10.9 Ϯ 7.6 days (range: 2-34 days). Overall, 26 (35.6%) patients died on ECMO. Among survivors on ECMO, 44 (60.2%) patients were successfully weaned from support, and three (4.1%) were switched to a mid-long-term ventricular assist device. Thirty-three (45.2%) were successfully discharged. The following variables were significantly different if survivors and nonsurvivors on ECMO were compared: age (P = 0.04), female gender (P < 0.01), cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO (P < 0.01), lactate level before ECMO (P = 0.01), number of platelets, fresh frozen plasma units, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during ECMO support (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P < 0.01), blood lactate level (P = 0.01), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) relative index 72 h after ECMO initiation (P < 0.001), and multiple organ failure on ECMO (P < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and CK-MB relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of PRBCs transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.12; P = 0.012, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.026-2.531; and P = 0.012, OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.02-5.21; respectively). Patients with an initial poor hemodynamic status could benefit by rapid peripheral installation of PLS ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK-MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support.
Related papers
Anticoagulation and Transfusion Therapy in Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 2017
Perioperative Management of Adult Surgical Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 2013
E XTRACORPOREAL MECHANICAL support devices are used as an adjunct in the management of critically ill patients who are refractory to more conventional modes of therapy. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is one such device that has been used mainly in the management of patients in cardiogenic shock or respiratory failure who failed therapy on maximal ventilator settings and maximal pharmacologic support. ECMO has the advantage of being rapidly deployable, both at the bedside and in the operating room, and can be initiated without the need for general anesthesia. ECMO has been used as a bridging device to recovery or to more definitive therapy. In patients who are awaiting lung transplantation, ECMO has been used as a bridge to transplant when decompensation occurs and also as an adjunct in physical rehabilitation before transplant.
A retrospective analysis of extracorporel membrane oxygenation versus right ventricular assist device in acute great failure after heart transplantation
Transplantation proceedings, 2003
T HE PROGNOSIS of patients with end-stage cardiomyopathy is poor, and heart allograft transplantation remains the standard treatment modality with well documented long-term results. 1 Primary graft failure with subsequent nonweaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a life-threatening condition with poor outcome. It demands swift and resolute intervention. Due to threshold levels of inotropic drug support the success of pharmaceutical treatment is, however, limited. If weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass in our patients cannot be achieved by conservative therapeutic means, we formerly opted for insertion of a right ventricular assist device (RVAD). Since extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been successfully used in our institution for patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing bilateral lung transplantation thereby limiting reperfusion edema after lung transplantation, 2,3 we recently embarked on inserting ECMO via venoarterial access in cardiac allograft recipients with primary graft failure. The intention of this clinical trial was to retrospectively compare the impact of RVAD versus ECMO on successful weaning and patient survival after early cardiac allograft malfunction.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Cardiac Transplantation
Advanced Applications in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation [Working Title]
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technique used for temporary support of patients with end-stage heart or lung failure. This review will focus on the venoarterial ECMO system and its use as a bridge to other long-term durable devices and/or cardiac transplantation. It can be used as a bridge to decision because it helps to gain time to stabilize the patient for further evaluation for long-term treatment such as durable mechanical circulatory pumps or transplantation. ECMO is evolving as a treatment for patients waiting on the transplant list. Increasing utilization of ECMO in adults has revealed some of the common complications such as bleeding and coagulopathy which impact survival in this patient population. The use of VA ECMO as a technique for rescuing patients from cardiogenic shock is very attractive. However, considering the extensive set of complications and the mortality it brings with it makes it a less attractive option as a direct bridge to cardiac transplant. The literature currently on this subject is very scanty and limited to a few studies of small numbers of patients. Further definitive research is needed for consensus on the role of VA ECMO as a bridge to cardiac transplant.
ELSO Interim Guidelines for Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adult Cardiac Patients
ASAIO Journal, 2021
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Postcardiotomy Shock: Single Center Experience
Revista portuguesa de cirurgia cardio-toracica e vascular : orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cirurgia Cardio-Toracica e Vascular, 2021
Objectives: We aim to report our experience on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for postcardiotomy shock (PCS). Methods: Single center, retrospective study of all patients on VA-ECMO for PCS, from November 2006 to July 2019. Pediatric and adult patients were analysed separately. Primary outcomes were survival to discharge and one-year survival. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included. Pediatric group (group PED) (62%, n=18): mean age 1,3±2,1 years and 39% male. Adults (group AD) (38%, n=11): mean age 55,6±15,9 years and 64% male. Indications in group PED were complex congenital heart surgery (94%) and heart transplant (6%), with 27% being reoperations; in group AD valvular surgery (45%), aortic surgery (21%), coronary artery bypass grafting (18%) and pulmonary endarterectomy (9%); 45% were reoperations. ECMO support was initiated intraoperatively due to failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in 28% of group PED and 73% of group AD. Central cannulation was performed in all pediatric patients and 82% adults. Bleeding was the most common complication in both groups (group PED 39%, group AD 45%). Mean ECMO support time was respectively 6,2±4,9 and 6,2± 3,6 days for group PED and group AD. Weaning rate was 44% in group PED (with 2 patients bridged to LVAD) and 45% in group AD. Survival to discharge as well as one-year survival were both 28% in group PED and 18% in group AD. Conclusion: Despite low survival and high complication rates, VA ECMO support provides a survival benefit in refractory cases, with a dismal prognosis, that would otherwise die.
Early experience with adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the modern era
The Annals of thoracic …, 1992
Current aspects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a tertiary referral centre: determinants of survival at follow-up
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 2014
OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical results (both early and at follow-up) of patients currently receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. To assess the effect of indications, clinical presentations and ECMO modalities on early/late clinical outcomes. To identify baseline factors associated with worse survival at follow-up. METHODS: We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 325 patients receiving ECMO therapy at a tertiary referral centre during the 2005-2013 period. Follow-up was prospectively conducted by dedicated personnel (average: 84 ± 86 days, 100% complete). Survival was analysed by stratified Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO was employed in 80% of cases (due to early graft failure (EGF) in 13% of cases, post-cardiotomy in 29%, primary cardiogenic shock in 42% for miscellaneous aetiologies, other indications in 15.4%) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO in the remainders (adult respiratory distress syndrome). In the VA and VV groups, weaning rates were 59 and 53%, survival at 30th postimplantation day was 44 and 45% and survival at the end of the follow-up was 41 and 45%, respectively. Implantation under advanced life support (ALS) occurred in 15% of cases (26% survival at 30 days). VA patients had a higher rate of thrombotic/haemorrhagic complications and of transfusion of blood products and shorter ventilation time. Worse early and follow-up survival were observed among patients aged ≥65 years, having pH ≤ 7, lactates >12 mmol/l, creatinine >200 μmol/l at implantation or receiving ECMO under ALS. No difference in survival was noted among VA vs VV patients. Patients receiving ECMO for EGF displayed better early and late survival (64% at 30 days and 53% at 6 months) than post-cardiotomy (36 and 34%, respectively), post-acute myocardial infarction (48 and 40%) and the remaining patients (46 and 45%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite most critical baseline conditions, ECMO therapy is confirmed useful for the treatment of patients with acute cardiopulmonary failure refractory to conventional treatments. The ECMO modality (VA vs VV), as well as indications to support, identifies different patient profiles and dissimilar outcomes. Preimplantation markers of gravity and end-organ damage are useful in the stratification of expected survival. These may facilitate clinical decision-making and appropriate allocation of hospital resources.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
F1000prime reports, 2013
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced form of life support technology whereby venous blood is oxygenated outside of the body and returned to the patient. ECMO was initially used as last-resort rescue therapy for patients with severe respiratory failure. Over the last four decades, it has developed into a safe, standard therapy for newborns with progressive cardiorespiratory failure, as a resuscitation therapy after cardiac arrest, and in combination with other treatments such as hypothermia and various blood filtration therapies. ECMO has also become routine for children and adults with all forms of cardiogenic shock and is also routine in early graft failure after transplantation. The one area of ongoing debate is the role of ECMO in adults with hypoxemic respiratory failure. As ECMO equipment becomes safer, earlier use improves patient outcomes. Several modifications of the two basic venovenous and venoarterial ECMO systems are now occurring, as are many minor ...
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in circulatory and respiratory failure - A single-center experience
Revista portuguesa de cardiologia : orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia = Portuguese journal of cardiology : an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, 2017
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical pulmonary and circulatory support for patients with shock refractory to conventional medical therapy. In this study we aim to describe the indications, clinical characteristics, complications and mortality associated with use of ECMO in a single tertiary hospital. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients supported with ECMO in two different intensive care units (general and cardiac), from the first patient cannulated in April 2011 up to October 2016. Overall, 48 patients underwent ECMO: 29 venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) and 19 venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO). In VA-ECMO, acute myocardial infarction was the main reason for placement. The most frequent complication was lower limb ischemia and the most common organ dysfunction was acute renal failure. In VV-ECMO, acute respiratory distress syndrome after viral infection was the leading reason for device placement. Access site bleeding and hematologic d...
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