Right ventricular dysfunction after tetralogy repair in a pediatric patient with successful ECMO support--a case...

Right ventricular dysfunction after surgical repair of tetralogy is a serious life threatening complication. Although pulmonary vasodilators and inotropes can be used for cardiac support in tetralogy repair, these drugs may be ineffective in some patients. To date extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support may be used effectively in these patients when medical therapy fails. We report a case with successful ECMO support in right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension after total surgical correction of Fallot's tetralogy. ECMO circuit was instituted in the operating room due to difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in spite of aggressive medical therapy. We reviewed and discussed the indications, contraindications of application of ECMO and patient survival with treatment of ECMO. At the same time we wish to share our limited experience we gained in our first attempt of ECMO support.