[Hemodynamic management of LOS using prolonged VA bypass circulatory assist]

The authors managed five LOS patients using prolonged V-A bypass circulatory assist. Maximum CVP values were under 12 mmHg in three survivors, and 17 mmHg and 20 mmHg in two nonsurvivors. Maximum PCWP values were under 14 mmHg in survivors, and 19 mmHg and 20 mmHg in nonsurvivors. Dopamine was administrated in all cases and norepinephrine was administrated at a rate of less than 0.3 microgram.kg-1.min-1 in survivors, and in two nonsurvivors, norepinephrine was used at a rate of 0.36 and 1.2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1. Before and after disconnection of V-A bypass, the bypass flow of the three survivors were under 1.0 l.min-1 just before disconnection, and immediately after it, the preload did not increase, and the dose of administrated catecholamine increased. V-A bypass time intervals of the three survivors were 71, 42 and 87 hours, and those of the two nonsurvivors were 71 and 43 hours. Maximum bypass flow rate was above 40ml.kg-1.min-1 in four of five patients. The authors discussed the management of the patients' heart and of the V-A bypass machine during the prolonged V-A bypass circulatory assist.