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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Elena V Dolmatova1, Kasra Moazzami1, Thomas P Cocke2
1Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackesack, NJ, USA; Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|January 9, 2017
Summary
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) offers cardiopulmonary support for massive pulmonary embolism (PE). While 40% mortality was observed in this case series, ECMO remains a potential treatment option for severe PE.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is explored for cardiopulmonary support in massive pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Its survival benefit in massive PE patients remains uncertain.
- ECMO may serve as a bridge to embolectomy or for refractory cases.
Observation:
- This study details 5 cases of massive, near-fatal pulmonary embolism treated with ECMO.
- The cases highlight ECMO's application in critical cardiopulmonary support scenarios.
Findings:
- The overall mortality rate in massive PE patients receiving ECMO support was 40%.
- Mortality causes included ECMO-related complications and inadequate cerebral perfusion.
- These findings underscore the risks associated with ECMO in this patient population.
Implications:
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) can be considered a viable treatment modality for massive pulmonary embolism.
- Further research is needed to optimize ECMO use and improve outcomes in massive PE.
- Careful patient selection and management are crucial for ECMO therapy in massive PE.
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