Variability in Triggers for Mechanical Left Ventricular Unloading in VA-ECMO: A Literature Search

March 13, 2025 No Comments

VA-ECMO provides critical cardiopulmonary support but increases left ventricular afterload, potentially leading to left ventricular distension (LVD). This literature review explores various clinical, hemodynamic, and imaging-based triggers for mechanical LV unloading. Findings highlight significant variability in defining LVD and initiating mechanical unloading. The study underscores the need for standardized criteria to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing risks associated with invasive procedures.

Lethal Myocardial Infarction in a Neonate During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

March 4, 2025 No Comments

This case study explores a neonate with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who experienced a lethal myocardial infarction (MI) while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient developed a large thrombus extending from the arterial cannula into the left main coronary artery, leading to severe cardiac dysfunction. Despite anticoagulation efforts, the clot progressed, resulting in a fatal outcome. The study highlights the challenges of managing neonatal ECMO and intracardiac thrombosis.

Kidney Injury Under Diminished Pulsatile Flow Induced by V-A ECMO in Sheep

February 25, 2025 No Comments

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving intervention used for critically ill patients, yet it is frequently associated with high incidences of kidney injury. This

Risk Factors Influencing the Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy

February 22, 2025 No Comments

This study examines risk factors affecting survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Analyzing 63 cases from 2020–2023, findings indicate that elevated arterial blood lactate, prolonged time to PCI, and higher vasoactive-inotropic scores (VIS) are key predictors of poor prognosis. Early intervention, including timely PCI and metabolic stabilization, is crucial to improving survival outcomes.

Survival After Endocarditis Surgery Needing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: Results from the Netherlands Heart Registration

February 17, 2025 No Comments

This study analyzes venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) use after infective endocarditis (IE) surgery using Netherlands Heart Registration data (2013–2022). Among 3,468 cases, 1.4% required VA-ECMO, with 49% in-hospital mortality and 60.9% one-year mortality. Despite increased risk factors and complications, VA-ECMO outcomes were comparable to non-IE postcardiotomy VA-ECMO cases, challenging the exclusion of IE patients based on high anticipated mortality.

Outcomes in Children Who Undergo Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Report From the STS-CHSD

February 8, 2025 No Comments

This study evaluates survival outcomes in children who undergo postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following congenital heart surgery. Using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD), the study found that ECMO initiation over 48 hours post-surgery correlated with the poorest outcomes. Postoperative septicemia, cardiac arrest, and neurological injury were strongly linked to mortality, while reintubation and unplanned noncardiac reoperation improved survival.

Perioperative Mechanical Circulatory Support: Transitioning from Sequential to Parallel Recovery

February 7, 2025 No Comments

This editorial explores the evolution of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in perioperative cardiac care. It discusses advancements in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and micro-axial flow pumps, highlighting the shift from sequential to parallel recovery. The article emphasizes early MCS intervention, left ventricular unloading, and minimizing adverse events. Insights from the DanGer Shock trial suggest improved survival with early MCS use, but further research is needed for perioperative applications.

The Superiority of Veno-Arterial Over Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Operative Support of Lung Transplantation

January 23, 2025 No Comments

This study compares the effectiveness of veno-arterial (V-A) and veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in lung transplantation. Analyzing 62 patients over eight years, results show that V-A ECMO provides superior pulmonary circulatory unloading and improved survival outcomes. Patients on V-A ECMO had lower pulmonary artery pressure, better oxygenation, and reduced pulmonary edema compared to V-V ECMO. Findings suggest V-A ECMO should be the preferred choice when clinically appropriate.

Predictive Value of Trendelenburg Position and Carotid Ultrasound for Fluid Responsiveness in Patients on VV-ECMO with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the Prone Position

January 2, 2025 No Comments

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Trendelenburg position and carotid ultrasound in predicting fluid responsiveness in VV-ECMO patients with ARDS in the prone position. Findings reveal that carotid corrected flow time (FTcBaseline) and stroke volume index variation (ΔSVITrend) are accurate and non-invasive predictors. These methods outperform traditional markers like pulse pressure variation, enhancing fluid management strategies in critical care.

Fluid Management in Adult Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Scoping Review

December 24, 2024 No Comments

This review explores fluid management in patients supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). It highlights the lack of evidence for optimal fluid strategies, comparing liberal vs. restrictive approaches, or types like crystalloids and albumin. Fluid overload negatively affects survival and kidney outcomes, emphasizing the need for precise strategies. The study calls for rigorous research to determine effective fluid resuscitation approaches and improve clinical outcomes.

Social:

Variability in Triggers for Mechanical Left Ventricular Unloading in VA-ECMO: A Literature Search

Lethal Myocardial Infarction in a Neonate During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Kidney Injury Under Diminished Pulsatile Flow Induced by V-A ECMO in Sheep

Risk Factors Influencing the Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy

Survival After Endocarditis Surgery Needing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: Results from the Netherlands Heart Registration

Outcomes in Children Who Undergo Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Report From the STS-CHSD

Perioperative Mechanical Circulatory Support: Transitioning from Sequential to Parallel Recovery

The Superiority of Veno-Arterial Over Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Operative Support of Lung Transplantation

Predictive Value of Trendelenburg Position and Carotid Ultrasound for Fluid Responsiveness in Patients on VV-ECMO with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the Prone Position

Fluid Management in Adult Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Scoping Review

Help Mend a Heart!

Learn More

Action

Contact

Follow us

© 2025 International Perfusion Association