Aortic Arch Blood Flow Measurements as a Predictor of Successful ECMO Weaning in Cardiogenic Shock
This explorative pilot study investigates the role of aortic arch blood flow measurements, using ultrasonic cardiac output monitoring (USCOM), in predicting successful weaning from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients with acute cardiogenic shock. Including 12 patients eligible for a stepwise weaning process, the study found that peak velocity of flow in the aortic arch positively correlates with weaning success, independent of ECMO flow rates. While mean pressure gradient, minute distance, and stroke volume index showed only trends, the study suggests USCOM could complement current strategies by predicting weaning outcomes and preventing pulmonary congestion. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish standardized weaning protocols.