Incidence and risk factors associated with stroke when utilizing peripheral VA-ECMO

Mechanical circulatory support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has brought forward a paradigm shift in the management of cardiogenic shock. Neurological complications associated with VA-ECMO represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality and serve as a limiting factor in its application and duration of use.

We performed a single-center retrospective case-control study of patients who developed stroke while managed with peripheral VA-ECMO from January 2018 to September 2022 at a quaternary center. We included consecutive patients above the age of 18 who were admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit and were managed with peripheral VA-ECMO. All patients who developed a stroke while on VA-ECMO were included in the case cohort, and compared to those who did not suffer stroke. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with stroke on VA-ECMO. In-hospital outcomes were assessed out to 30 days.

A total 244 patients were included in the final analysis, 36 (14.7 %) of whom developed stroke on VA-ECMO. Ischemic stroke was seen in 20 patients (55.6 %) whereas hemorrhagic stroke was seen in 16 patients (44.4 %). The use of P2Y₁₂ antagonists (aOR 2.70, p = 0.019), limb ischemia (aOR 4.41, p = 0.002), and blood transfusion requirement (aOR 8.55, p = 0.041) were independently associated with development of stroke on VA-ECMO. Female sex trended towards statistical significance (aOR 2.19, p = 0.053) while age was not independently associated with development of stroke on VA-ECMO. There was no significant association between stroke development and outcomes of VA-ECMO duration, hospital length of stay, and all-cause mortality out to 30-days.

VA-ECMO carried a considerable risk of neurological complications. Mortality and duration of hemodynamic support was not associated with stroke risk. Awareness regarding stroke risk is imperative in facilitating early identification and management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Research involving clinical trials and multicenter studies are necessary to empower centers in mitigating this source of significant morbidity and mortality in patients on mechanical circulatory support.