Atrial septostomy in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Analysis of the IMPACT registry data

Patients with severe cardiac dysfunction, supported on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), develop left atrial hypertension and often warrant atrial decompression. The procedural risks and outcomes, however, are not well established. Objective of this study is to understand the utilization, safety, and outcomes of atrial septostomy in children supported on venoarterial ECMO utilizing the IMPACT registry database.

Data from 55 independent sites reporting to the registry was used for this descriptive study. Patients supported with cardiac ECMO that underwent percutaneous atrial septostomy (PAS) were included and data analyzed.

Between 2011 and 2018, 223 patients underwent atrial septostomy and were reported to the registry. Mean age was 4.65 years with 52% being males. Diagnoses of heart failure, sepsis, arrhythmia, and renal insufficiency were commonly noted prior to ECMO. The procedure was performed urgently or emergently in most cases (80%). PAS was associated with significant procedural complications such as arrhythmia (6.8%), tamponade (5.4%), and unplanned surgery (3.6%) but no procedural mortality. Overall hospital mortality was 46% (103/223) with 46 of these deaths occurring within 7 days of procedure. Regression analysis showed that African American race (vs Caucasian), race other than Caucasian, chronic lung disease and emergent procedure need were significantly associated with early post-procedural mortality (all p < 0.05).

Using a large multicenter cardiac catheterization registry, we found that left atrial decompression can be performed without procedural mortality but is associated with significant morbidity. Impact of race, chronic lung disease and procedural urgency on early mortality warrant further studies.