Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult cardiac support: the Allegheny experience

A mix of cardiac assist options is necessary to meet the diverse indications for cardiac support in a comprehensive heart failure program. At our institution, an adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system comprising a centrifugal pump and hollow fiber membrane oxygenator is used for short-term and temporary cardiac assist.

Between December 1991 and August 1997, 82 adult cardiac patients were supported on ECMO. Indications for cardiac assist included postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS, 55 patients), high-risk cardiology intervention (27 patients), perioperative cardiac graft failure (4 patients), and emergency cardiac resuscitation (6 patients). Data for analysis were collected by prospective completion of standardized ECMO report forms and retrospective review of hospital charts.

The ECMO system was inexpensive to operate, uncomplicated to implant, and adaptable for diverse indications. Survival in PCCS was 20 of 55 patients (36%), with an increased survival rate of 56% (18 of 32 patients) in patients with PCCS after isolated coronary bypass. Catheter-based revascularizations were successfully performed in 26 of 27 (96%) high-acuity patients temporarily supported by ECMO, and 23 of 27 patients (85%) survived to discharge. Survival in the cardiac graft failure group was 2 of 4 (50%). No patient supported on ECMO for cardiac resuscitation survived.

ECMO provides good cardiopulmonary and end-organ support; survival rates are similar to or higher than those seen with centrifugal pump support in comparable patient populations.