Features and outcomes of female and male patients requiring postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support.

OBJECTIVES: Although cardiogenic shock requiring extracorporeal life support after cardiac surgery is associated with high mortality, the impact of sex on outcomes of postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support remains unclear with conflicting results in the literature. We compare patient characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and overall survival between females and males requiring postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter (34 centers), observational study included adults requiring postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support between 2000 and 2020. Preoperative, procedural, and extracorporeal life support characteristics, complications, and survival were compared between females and males. Association between sex and in-hospital survival was investigated through mixed Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: This analysis included 1823 patients (female: 40.8%; median age: 66.0 years [interquartile range, 56.2-73.0 years]). Females underwent more mitral valve surgery (females: 38.4%, males: 33.1%, P = .019) and tricuspid valve surgery (feamales: 18%, males: 12.4%, P < .001), whereas males underwent more coronary artery surgery (females: 45.9%, males: 52.4%, P = .007). Extracorporeal life support implantation was more common intraoperatively in feamales (females: 64.1%, females: 59.1%) and postoperatively in males (females: 35.9%, males: 40.9%, P = .036). Ventricular unloading (females: 25.1%, males: 36.2%, P < .001) and intra-aortic balloon pumps (females: 25.8%, males: 36.8%, P < .001) were most frequently used in males. Females had more postoperative right ventricular failure (females: 24.1%, males: 19.1%, P = .016) and limb ischemia (females: 12.3%, males: 8.8%, P = .23). In-hospital mortality was 64.9% in females and 61.9% in males (P = .199) with no differences in 5-year survival (females: 20%, 95% CI, 17-23; males: 24%, 95% CI, 21-28; P = .069). Crude hazard ratio for in-hospital mortality in females was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.99-1.27; P = .069) and did not change after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that female and male patients requiring postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support have different preoperative and extracorporeal life support characteristics, as well as complications, without a statistical difference in in-hospital and 5-year survivals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patient and Management Variables Associated With Survival After Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults: The PELS-1 Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly used for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, but without a concomitant reduction in observed in-hospital mortality. Long-term outcomes are unknown. This study describes patients' characteristics, in-hospital outcome, and 10-year survival after postcardiotomy ECMO. Variables associated with in-hospital and postdischarge mortality are investigated and reported. Methods and Results The retrospective international multicenter observational PELS-1 (Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support) study includes data on adults requiring ECMO for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock between 2000 and 2020 from 34 centers. Variables associated with mortality were estimated preoperatively, intraoperatively, during ECMO, and after the occurrence of any complications, and then analyzed at different time points during a patient's clinical course, through mixed Cox proportional hazards models containing fixed and random effects. Follow-up was established by institutional chart review or contacting patients. This analysis included 2058 patients (59% were men; median [interquartile range] age, 65.0 [55.0-72.0] years). In-hospital mortality was 60.5%. Independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality were age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.02]) and preoperative cardiac arrest (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.15-1.73]). In the subgroup of hospital survivors, the overall 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 89.5% (95% CI, 87.0%-92.0%), 85.4% (95% CI, 82.5%-88.3%), 76.4% (95% CI, 72.5%-80.5%), and 65.9% (95% CI, 60.3%-72.0%), respectively. Variables associated with postdischarge mortality included older age, atrial fibrillation, emergency surgery, type of surgery, postoperative acute kidney injury, and postoperative septic shock. Conclusions In adults, in-hospital mortality after postcardiotomy ECMO remains high; however, two-thirds of those who are discharged from hospital survive up to 10 years. Patient selection, intraoperative decisions, and ECMO management remain key variables associated with survival in this cohort. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03857217.

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

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

The importance of timing in postcardiotomy venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A descriptive multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be initiated intraoperatively or postoperatively based on indications, settings, patient profile, and conditions. The topic of implantation timing only recently gained attention from the clinical community. We compare patient characteristics as well as in-hospital and long-term survival between intraoperative and postoperative ECMO. METHODS: The retrospective, multicenter, observational Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS-1) study includes adults who required ECMO due to postcardiotomy shock between 2000 and 2020. We compared patients who received ECMO in the operating theater (intraoperative) with those in the intensive care unit (postoperative) on in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes. RESULTS: We studied 2003 patients (women: 41.1%; median age: 65 years; interquartile range [IQR], 55.0-72.0). Intraoperative ECMO patients (n = 1287) compared with postoperative ECMO patients (n = 716) had worse preoperative risk profiles. Cardiogenic shock (45.3%), right ventricular failure (15.9%), and cardiac arrest (14.3%) were the main indications for postoperative ECMO initiation, with cannulation occurring after (median) 1 day (IQR, 1-3 days). Compared with intraoperative application, patients who received postoperative ECMO showed more complications, cardiac reoperations (intraoperative: 19.7%; postoperative: 24.8%, P = .011), percutaneous coronary interventions (intraoperative: 1.8%; postoperative: 3.6%, P = .026), and had greater in-hospital mortality (intraoperative: 57.5%; postoperative: 64.5%, P = .002). Among hospital survivors, ECMO duration was shorter after intraoperative ECMO (median, 104; IQR, 67.8-164.2 hours) compared with postoperative ECMO (median, 139.7; IQR, 95.8-192 hours, P < .001), whereas postdischarge long-term survival was similar between the 2 groups (P = .86). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative and postoperative ECMO implantations are associated with different patient characteristics and outcomes, with greater complications and in-hospital mortality after postoperative ECMO. Strategies to identify the optimal location and timing of postcardiotomy ECMO in relation to specific patient characteristics are warranted to optimize in-hospital outcomes.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with intra-aortic balloon pump for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is currently recommended as a strategy to address the increased afterload in patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The benefit of VA-ECMO with IABP in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is inconclusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the influence of VA-ECMO with IABP for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase were searched for all articles published from 1 January, 1964 to July 11, 2020. Retrospective cohort studies targeting the comparison of VA-ECMO with IABP and isolated VA-ECMO were included in this study. RESULTS: We included 2251 patients in the present study (917 patients in the VA-ECMO with IABP group and 1334 patients in the isolated VA-ECMO group). Deaths occurred in 589 of 917 patients (64.2%) in the VA-ECMO with IABP group and occurred in 885 of 1334 patients (66.3%) in isolated VA-ECMO group. Pooling the results of all studies showed that VA-ECMO with IABP was not related to a reduced in-hospital mortality in patients who received VA-ECMO for PCS (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.86-1.04; p = 0.231). In addition, VA-ECMO with IABP was not related to an increased rate of VA-ECMO weaning in patients who received VA-ECMO for PCS (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99-1.66; p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that VA-ECMO with IABP did not improve either in-hospital survival or weaning for VA-ECMO in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients.

Variables associated with in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes after postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Netherlands Heart Registration Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock has been increasingly used without concomitant mortality reduction. This study aims to investigate determinants of in-hospital and postdischarge mortality in patients requiring postcardiotomy ECMO in the Netherlands. METHODS: The Netherlands Heart Registration collects nationwide prospective data from cardiac surgery units. Adults receiving intraoperative or postoperative ECMO included in the register from January 2013 to December 2019 were studied. Survival status was established through the national Personal Records Database. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate determinants of in-hospital (3 models) and 12-month postdischarge mortality (4 models). Each model was developed to target specific time points during a patient's clinical course. RESULTS: Overall, 406 patients (67.2% men, median age, 66.0 years [interquartile range, 55.0-72.0 years]) were included. In-hospital mortality was 51.7%, with death occurring in a median of 5 days (interquartile range, 2-14 days) after surgery. Hospital survivors (n = 196) experienced considerable rates of pulmonary infections, respiratory failure, arrhythmias, and deep sternal wound infections during a hospitalization of median 29 days (interquartile range, 17-51 days). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0-1.04) and preoperative higher body mass index (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.14) were associated with in-hospital death. Within 12 months after discharge, 35.1% of hospital survivors (n = 63) died. Postoperative renal failure (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-4.9), respiratory failure (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-9.9), and re-thoracotomy (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.5) were associated with 12-month postdischarge mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital and postdischarge mortality after postcardiotomy ECMO in adults remains high in the Netherlands. ECMO support in patients with higher age and body mass index, which drive associations with higher in-hospital mortality, should be carefully considered. Further observations suggest that prevention of re-thoracotomies, renal failure, and respiratory failure are targets that may improve postdischarge outcomes.

Preventive Impella® Support in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severely reduced LV-EF ≤ 30% undergoing CABG have a high risk for postoperative cardiogenic shock. The optimal timing of an adequate hemodynamic support has an impact on short- and midterm mortality after CABG. This study aimed to assess the prophylactic use of the Impella pump in high-risk patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, 14 patients with LV-EF (≤30%) undergoing cardiac surgery received a prophylactic, perioperative Impella (5.0, 5.5) support between 2020 and 2022. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 64.2 ± 2.6 years, the mean preoperative LV-EF was 20.7% ± 1.56%. The duration of Impella support was 4 (3-7.8) days and the 30-day survival rate was 92.85%. Acute renal failure occurred in four patients who were dialyzed on average for 1.2 ± 0.7 days. Mechanical ventilation was needed for 1.75 (0.9-2.7) days. Time to inotrope/vasopressor independence was 2 (0.97-7.25) days with a highest lactate level (24 h postoperatively) of 3.8 ± 0.6 mmol/l. Postoperative LV-EF showed a significant improvement when compared to preoperative LV-EF (29.1% ± 2.6% vs. 20.7% ± 1.56% (p = 0.022)). CONCLUSION: The prophylactic Impella application seems to be a safe approach to improve the outcomes of this patient population.

Perioperative incidence of ECMO and IABP on 5901 mitral valve surgery procedures.

BACKGROUND: Report the incidence and results of peri-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery (MVS) through right mini-thoracotomy (RT) and conventional full sternotomy (FS) for a period of 6 years from eleven tertiary Cardiac Surgery Institutes of GVM Care & Research Italia. METHODS: From January 2016 to November 2021, a total of 5901 consecutive patients underwent MVS through RT and FS. The primary outcome of the study was the mortality and incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) treated with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with or without inotropic support and the incidence of Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock (PCS) treated with Veno-arterial (VA) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) on patients undergoing mitral valve surgery (MVS) through right mini-thoracotomy (RT) versus conventional full sternotomy (FS). RESULTS: The mean age was 66 ± 15 years, 3389 patients underwent in RT approach 2512 in FS, 3081 (52%) patients were male and 2.3% had previous cardiac operations. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 93 min for RT and 81 min for FS and cross clamp time 75 min for RT and 63 min for FS for mitral valve repair. Incidence of perioperative IABP for the treatment of low cardiac output was reported on 99 patients (1.6%), 51 for RT (1.5%), 35% used inotropic support (adrenaline and milrinone) and 48 in FS (1.9), 28% use inotropic support, 21 patients died after IABP (3 RT and 18 FS). Incidence of perioperative VA-ECMO for the PCS treatment was 13 and 4 with IABP, 9 RT (0.2%) and 4 FS approach (0.15%), 12 patients died after VA-ECMO. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe and reproducible approach associated with low mortality and morbidity. ECMO and IABP incidence for the treatment of PCS was 0.2% and for Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) was 1.6% in elective mitral valve surgery is very low. The patients that use the perioperative IABP in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) trough RT reported a reduced mortality compared to FS in relation to the operative risk and surgical technique. Low incidence of VA-ECMO was found in RT and FS approach, only one patient survived after VA-ECMO after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality for patients with ECLS due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock after isolated coronary surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients after cardiac surgery and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) is known to be associated with high mortality. Especially in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and PCS, ECLS is frequently established. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients treated with ECLS due to PCS after CABG. METHODS: Between August 2006 and January 2017, 92 consecutive patients with V-A ECLS due to PCS after isolated CABG were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS) and analyzed with risk factors of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality added up to 61 patients (66%). Non-survivors were significantly older (60 ± 812 (S) vs. 67 ± 10 (NS); p = 0.013). Bilateral internal mammary artery graft was significantly more frequently used in S (23% (S) vs. 2% (NS); p = 0.001). After 24 h of ECLS support, median lactate levels were significantly higher in NS (1.9 (1.3; 3.5) mmol/L (S) vs. 3.5 (2.1; 6.3) mmol/L (NS); p = 0.001). NS suffered more often acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (42% (S) vs. 74% (NS); p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Mortality in patients with refractory PCS after CABG and consecutive ECLS support remains high. Failing end-organ recovery under ECLS despite optimized concomitant medical therapy is an indicator of adverse outcomes in this specific patient cohort. Moreover, total-arterial revascularization might be beneficial for cardiac recovery in patients suffering PCS after CABG and following ECLS.

Risk factors of acute renal injury and in-hospital mortality in adult patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: utility of MELD-XI score.

BACKGROUND: The suitability of model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score to predict the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital mortality in adult patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) remains uncertain. This study was performed to explore whether the MELD-XI score has the association with the incidence of AKI and in-hospital mortality in these patients. METHODS: Adult patients with PCS requiring VA ECMO from January 2012 to December 2017 were enrolled and first classified into AKI group (n = 151) versus no-AKI group (n = 132), then classified into survival group (n = 143) versus no-survival group (n = 140). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors independently associated with AKI and mortality. Baseline data were defined as the first measurement available. RESULTS: Of 283 patients, the incidence of AKI was 53.36%. The in-hospital mortality rates were 63.58% and 33.33% in patients with and without AKI (p < 0.0001). Baseline MELD-XI score, baseline serum total bilirubin (T-Bil), baseline blood urea nitrogen (BUN), baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and lactate level at ECMO initiation were shown to be associated with the AKI. Vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and SOFA score at ECMO initiation as well as renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) were shown to be associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline MELD-XI score, baseline BUN, baseline T-Bil, baseline LVEF, SOFA score and lactate at the initiation of ECMO were associated with AKI. AKI, SOFA score, and VIS at the initiation of ECMO were associated with in-hospital mortality, whereas MELD-XI score was not found to be associated with in-hospital mortality. A specific MELD-XI score as a threshold, as well as its sensitivity and specificity, needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Concomitant ECMO And IABP Support in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is common in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). This study aimed to analyse the effect of concomitant ECMO and IABP therapy on the short-term outcomes of patients with PCS. METHODS: Between March 2006 and March 2017, 172 consecutive patients with central (c) or peripheral (p) veno-arterial ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified at the current institution and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into ECMO+IABP and ECMO alone groups. Further, the impact of ECMO flow direction was analysed for the groups. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients received ECMO+IABP support and 43 patients were treated with ECMO alone. Median ECMO duration did not differ between the groups (68 [34; 95] hours ECMO+IABP vs 44 [20; 103] hours ECMO; p=0.151). However, a trend toward a higher weaning rate was evident in ECMO+IABP patients (75 [58%] ECMO+IABP vs 18 [42%] ECMO; p=0.078). Concomitant IABP support with either cECMO (73% [n=24] cECMO+IABP vs 50% [n=11] ECMO; p=0.098) or pECMO (57% [n=55] ECMO+IABP vs 33% [n=7] ECMO; p=0.056) was also associated with a trend toward a higher weaning rate off ECMO. In-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: This analysis found that, independent of ECMO type, additional IABP support might increase ECMO weaning; however, it did not influence survival in PCS patients. Larger studies are necessary to further analyse the impact of this concomitant MSC therapy on clinical outcomes.

Insertion of Impella CP following postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock concomitant with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) is associated with considerably high rates of mortality. In PCCS, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used despite the high rates of complications and poor outcome. Since the introduction of Impella CP (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA), effective left-ventricular unloading and systemic perfusion could be maintained even in patients with severe PCCS. Herein, we describe the successful treatment of PCCS following combined heart surgery in a patient by Impella CP insertion.

30-Day perioperative mortality following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in patients with normal preoperative ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of early outcomes in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in whom venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was implanted for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) during the first postoperative 48 h. METHODS: Retrospective single-centre analysis in adult patients with normal LVEF, who received VA-ECMO support for PCCS from May 1998 to May 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day perioperative mortality during the index hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 62 125 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery at our institution during the study period. Among them, 173 patients (0.3%) with normal preoperative LVEF required VA-ECMO for PCCS. Among them, 71 (41.1%) patients presented PCCS due to coronary malperfusion and in 102 (58.9%) patients, no evident cause was found for PCCS. Median duration of VA-ECMO support was 5 days (interquartile range 2-8 days). A total of 135 (78.0%) patients presented VA-ECMO-related complications and the overall 30-day perioperative mortality was 57.8%. Independent predictors of mortality were: lactate level just before VA-ECMO implantation [odds ratio (OR) 1.27; P < 0.001], major bleeding during VA-ECMO (OR 3.76; P = 0.001), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.01; P < 0.001) and female gender (OR 4.87; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality rates of VA-ECMO in PCCS patients are high, even in those with preoperative normal LVEF. Coronary problems are an important cause of PCCS; however, the aetiology remains unknown in the vast majority of the cases. The implantation of VA-ECMO before development of tissue hypoperfusion and the control of VA-ECMO-associated complications are the most important prognostic factors in PCCS patients. Lactate levels may help guide timing of VA-ECMO implantation and define the extent of therapeutic effort.

Survival following venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting long-term outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients are scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the survival outcomes and identify mortality risk factors for coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. METHODS: Data from 121 consecutive venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated coronary artery bypass grafting patients at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were analyzed. Multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with 36-month mortality. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (64%) could be weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 56 patients (46%) survived to hospital discharge, and 41 patients (34%) survived to 36 months. Older age (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.10; p < 0.001), left main coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.59; p < 0.001), and vasoactive inotropic score (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16; p = 0.011) were independent risk factors associated with 36-month mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the logistic regression model, which was constructed with three pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation parameters-age ⩾ 60 years, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score > 60-was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.94). Age and left main coronary artery disease significantly increased the discriminatory performance of Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (0.79 vs. 0.91, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, left main coronary artery disease, and vasoactive inotropic score were associated with 36-month mortality in coronary artery bypass grafting patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Central vs peripheral venoarterial ECMO in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

OBJECTIVES: Central or peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) is widely used in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Available data suggest controversial results for both types. Our aim was to investigate PCS patients treated with either peripheral (pECMO) or central ECMO (cECMO) concerning their outcome. METHODS: Between April 2006 and October 2016, 156 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into cECMO and pECMO groups. Statistical analysis of risk factors concerning 30-day mortality of the mentioned patient cohort was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients received cECMO and 100 patients were treated with pECMO due to PCS. In the group of cECMO peripheral vascular disease was significantly more present (cECMO 19 [34%] vs pECMO 14 [14%]; P < .01). On-site ECMO complications occurred significantly more frequent in patients treated with cECMO (cECMO 44 [79%] vs pECMO 54 [54%] g/dL; P < 0.01). More often cECMO patients required a second look operation due to mediastinal bleeding (cECMO 52 [93%] vs pECMO 61 [61%] g/dL; P < .01). Thirty-day mortality was comparable with nearly 70% in both cohorts (cECMO 39 [70%] vs pECMO 69 [69%]; P = .93). CONCLUSION: Patients supported by cECMO or pECMO due to refractory PCS did not show significant differences in 30-day mortality, despite a lower incidence of on-site ECMO complications and re-exploration in pECMO patients. PCS itself is associated with high mortality and peripheral cannulation might help to save resources compared with central cannulation.

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.