Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Beyond Cardiac Surgery and Intensive Care Unit: Unconventional Uses and Future Perspectives

Successful implementation of prophylactic veno-venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in high-risk trauma surgery: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized in trauma care, yet its elective use during high-risk surgeries remains unreported.

CASE REPORT

We report a successful instance of prophylactic ECMO support via a Veno-Venoarterial (V-VA) configuration during high-risk surgery in a patient with extensive trauma, including severe thoracic damage and a highly unstable thoracic spine fracture. V-VA ECMO prevented complications such as hemodynamic and respiratory collapse associated with chest compression during the surgical procedure, as the patient should be in a prone position.

DISCUSSION

The potential of ECMO as prophylactic support in high-risk surgery amongst trauma patients underscores a novel application of this technology. Complex configurations must be evaluated to avoid associated ECMO complications.

CONCLUSION

Our case highlights the potential of prophylactic ECMO hybrid modes, indicating their safe application during high-risk procedures in select trauma patients.

Beneficial effects of levosimendan to wean patients from VA-ECMO: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with refractory cardiogenic shock can benefit from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The use of levosimendan in VA-ECMO patients may facilitate weaning and enhance survival.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched from inception to October 10th, 2021. Eligible clinical trials and observational studies reporting the use of levosimendan in VA-ECMO were searched. Two reviewers extracted data and independently assessed the risk of bias. To integrate the data, a random-effect model was applied. The success of weaning from VA-ECMO was the primary outcome.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Ten observational studies, including a total of 987 patients, were identified. Levosimendan was associated with successful weaning (362/448) compared with controls (328/539) (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.71-3.28; P=0.01) and reduced mortality (144/433 vs. 258/507) (nine studies, OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.78; P=0.01) compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Levosimendan was associated with successful weaning and increased survival in VA-ECMO patients. Randomized trials should confirm these findings.

Applications and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Life Support Use in Adult Liver Transplantation: A Case Series and Review of Literature

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly reported in adult liver transplantation (LT). However, neither the role of ECLS in the perioperative setting for LT nor its outcomes has been well defined. We performed a retrospective chart review of all adult LT patients at our institution who received ECLS from 2004 to 2021. We also conducted a comprehensive literature search for adult LT cases that involved perioperative ECLS for respiratory or cardiac failure. Over the study period, 11 LT patients required ECLS at our institution, two for respiratory and nine for cardiac failure. Both patients with respiratory failure received ECLS as a bridge to LT and survived to discharge. Nine patients required ECLS for acute cardiac failure either intraoperatively or postoperatively, and two survived to discharge. In the literature, we identified 35 cases of respiratory failure in LT patients requiring perioperative ECLS. Applications included preoperative bridge to LT (n = 6) and postoperative rescue (n = 29), for which overall survival was 44%. We identified 31 cases of cardiac failure in LT patients requiring either ECLS or cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac support or rescue for intraoperative or postoperative cardiac failure (n = 30). There is evidence for consideration of ECLS as a bridge to LT in patients with potentially reversible respiratory failure or as rescue therapy for respiratory failure in posttransplant patients. ECLS has a prohibitively high risk of futility in pretransplant patients with cardiac failure but may have a role in LT patients with a functioning graft and potentially reversible cardiac failure.

[Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography as monitoring procedure in noncardiac surgery patients]

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is firmly established in cardiac surgery for diagnostics, hemodynamic monitoring and as a guiding tool. Dynamic and (patho)physiological processes of the heart can be immediately depicted. Ideally, therapeutic changes can be derived. For this reason, TEE is increasingly used in high-risk non-cardiac surgery interventions and in the interventional setting. In the first part of this advanced training series, general aspects regarding TEE examinations as well as indications and contraindications are presented. Clinical fields of application, where TEE can play a role in hemodynamic monitoring are outlined. The second part focusses on an emergency examination pathway and differential diagnoses, which can be made in the event of intraoperative hemodynamic instability or unexplained hypoxemia using TEE. The article concludes with an outlook on the use of computer-aided evaluation of TEE images.

ECMO in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

To analyze the survival rates of patients with COVID-19 supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and compare the survival rates of patients with COVID-19 supported with ECMO to patients with influenza supported with ECMO.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of ECMO as supportive therapy of COVID-19.

Setting

The authors performed a search through the Cochrane, EMBASE, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases from inception to February 19, 2021, for studies reporting hospitalized patients with COVID-19 managed with ECMO.

Participants

A total of 134 studies were selected, including 6 eligible for the comparative meta-analysis of COVID-19 versus influenza.

Interventions

The authors pooled the risk ratio and random effects model.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary endpoint was the overall mortality of patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. Of the total number of 58,472 patients with COVID-19 reported, ECMO was used in 4,044 patients. The analysis suggested an overall in-hospital mortality of 39% (95% CI 0.34-0.43). In the comparative analysis, patients with COVID-19 on ECMO had a higher risk ratio (RR) for mortality when compared to influenza patients on ECMO: 72/164 (44%) v 71/186 (38%) RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.05-1.71; p = 0.03.

Conclusions

ECMO could be beneficial in patients with COVID-19, according to the authors’ meta-analysis. The reported mortality rate was 39%. This systematic analysis can provide clinical advice in the current era and ongoing pandemic.

The Use of Intraoperative Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in High-Risk Airways Tumor Removal Procedures in Neonates and Children: A Single-Center Case Series

Airway surgery involving trachea or main stem bronchi in neonates and children is challenging. The use of extracorporeal support for such unusual indications is poorly described. Here, we report on three patients receiving peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to maintain adequate ventilation while improving surgical site exposure. Case 1 is a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with proximal left stem bronchus endoluminal tumor; cases 2 and 3 are a neonate and a young infant diagnosed with a subcarinal bronchogenic cyst. Planned ECMO use consisted in peripheral venoarterial cannulation through jugular and carotid access. There was no bleeding complication during and after surgical care. Hemodynamic and respiratory supports were optimized in all cases. Children were successfully weaned off ECMO immediately after surgery. Planned peripheral ECMO cannulation offers optimal conditions for high-risk airway surgery in neonates and children.

Left Ventricular Unloading With an IABP in Patients Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation With ECMO Support

OBJECTIVE

The authors investigated the preprocedural predictors of postprocedural intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) need in patients undergoing transcatheter ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation on venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Hybrid operating room and intensive care unit of a teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Participants were 121 consecutive patients with unstable VT undergoing transcatheter ablation with VA-ECMO.

INTERVENTIONS

In patients with postprocedural echocardiographic, radiographic, or hemodynamic signs of increased left ventricle afterload, an IABP was positioned.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients in the IABP group were more frequently on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (58% v 37%; p = 0.03) and had lower median baseline ejection fraction (25% v 28% p = 0.05), larger end-diastolic diameter (69.7 mm ± 13.0 v 65.7 mm ± 11.3; p = 0.03), and more frequent ischemic etiology as the reason for dilated cardiomyopathy (76% v 47%; p = 0.04,) when compared with patients not requiring IABP. Postoperatively, the IABP group required longer mechanical ventilation (24 hours [20-56.5] v 23 hours [15-28]; p = 0.003), intensive care unit stay (78 hours [46-174] v 48 hours [24-72]; p < 0.001), and continuous renal replacement therapy (13.3% v 1.3%; p = 0.006). By multivariate analysis, end-diastolic diameter (odds ratio [OR]:1.08; confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.16; p = 0.049), ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (OR: 8.40; CI: 2.15-32.88; p = 0.002), and more-than-moderate mitral regurgitation (OR: 4.83; CI: 1.22-19.22; p = 0.025) were independent predictors of need for IABP.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for an IABP to unload the left ventricle can be predicted by ventricular size, medium-severe mitral valvular defect, and ischemic etiology of the dilated cardiomyopathy.

Procedural sedation and analgesia for percutaneous high-tech cardiac procedures

The interest in percutaneous high-tech cardiac procedures has increased in recent years together with its safety and efficacy. In fragile patients, procedural sedation and analgesia are used to perform most of the procedures. General anesthesia remains the technique of choice during the team learning curve and might be required in selected patients or in emergent situations. Despite the high costs of percutaneous high-tech cardiac procedures, the decrease in length of hospital stays, rate of intensive care admission and complications, balance the increase in devices costs. In fragile patients who undergo percutaneous high tech cardiac procedures, the primary role of the anesthesiologist is to prevent the need for postprocedural intensive care unit and complications rate. Starting from the experience of a large university third level hospital we identified the eight most commonly performed contemporary percutaneous high tech cardiac procedures (ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation ablation, protected percutaneous coronary intervention, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, MitraClip® (Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL, USA), percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure, left atrial appendage closure, and dysfunctional lead extraction), discuss the role of procedural sedation and analgesia in this setting, and explore future perspectives.

Vascular Complications Increase Hospital Charges and Mortality in Adult Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the United States

Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) who suffer vascular complications frequently accrue additional procedures and costs. We sought to evaluate the effect of ECMO-related vascular complications on hospital charges and in-hospital mortality. Adult discharges involving ECMO from 2004 to 2013 in the National Inpatient Sample were examined. There were 12,636 patients in the cohort. Vascular complications, focusing on arterial complications were identified using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. A multivariable survey linear regression model using median hospital charges was used to model the effect of vascular complications on charges. We used multivariable survey logistic regression to evaluate the effect of vascular complications on in-hospital mortality. Of the 12,636 patients examined, 6467 (51.2%) had ECMO-related vascular complications. Median charges in patients with vascular complications were $ 477,363 (interquartile range: 258,660-875,823) and were $ 282,298 (interquartile range: 130,030-578,027) without vascular complications. On multivariable analysis, patients with vascular complications had 24% higher median charges than patients without vascular complications (Ratio: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.33; P < 0.0001) and 34% higher odds of experiencing in-hospital mortality than patients without vascular complications (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34; 95% CI:1.08-1.66; P = 0.009). Vascular complications occur in over half of ECMO patients and are associated with an increased risk of high hospital charges and in-hospital mortality. These findings support the need for identification and modification of risk factors for ECMO-related vascular complications. Furthermore, the standardization of protocols using evidence-based measures to mitigate vascular complications may improve overall ECMO outcomes.

Preliminary Results of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Assisted Tracheal Sleeve Pneumonectomy for Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy is a challenge in lung cancer management and in achieving long-term oncological results. In November 2018, we started a prospective study on the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy. We aim to present our preliminary results.

METHODS

From November 2018 to November 2019, six patients (three men and three women; median age: 61 years) were eligible for tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy for lung cancer employing the veno-venous ECMO during tracheobronchial anastomosis.

RESULTS

Only in one patient, an intrapericardial pneumonectomy without ECMO support was performed, but cannulas were maintained during surgery. The median length of surgery was 201 minutes (range: 162-292 minutes), and the average duration of the apneic phase was 38 minutes (range: 31-45 minutes). No complications correlated to the positioning of the cannulas were recorded. There was only one major postoperative complication (hemothorax). At the time of follow-up, all patients were alive; one patient alive with bone metastasis was being treated with radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

ECMO-assisted oncological surgery was rarely described, and its advantages include hemodynamic stability with low bleeding complications and a clean operating field. As suggested by our preliminary data, ECMO-assisted could be a useful alternative strategy in select lung cancer patients.

Outcomes of Pediatric Patients Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Intractable Supraventricular Arrhythmias

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to support refractory cardiorespiratory failure. Outcomes and complications when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to support cardiorespiratory failure secondary to arrhythmia in pediatric patients remain poorly defined. Our purpose is to describe pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for supraventricular arrhythmias in the context of normal cardiac anatomy and congenital heart disease and identify patient/peri-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation variables associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related complications and survival.

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter review from 1993 to 2016.

SETTING

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

SUBJECTS

Patients younger than 21 years old requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for supraventricular arrhythmias.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 342 patients were identified (weight, 3.8 kg [3.2-7.5 kg]; age at extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, 24 d [6-222]; 61% male). Sixty-five percentage survived to hospital discharge. Complications were frequent (85%) and most commonly cardiac related (31%). In multivariable modeling, mortality was associated with congenital heart disease, time from intubation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, use of bicarbonate prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration, and the presence of a complication. The presence of any complication was associated with a three-fold increase in the odds of death. In subgroup analysis of isolated supraventricular arrhythmias patients, similar patient and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation characteristics were associated with outcome. A lower pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH and PCO2 and site of venous cannulation were associated with complications (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use for medically refractory supraventricular arrhythmias was associated with a 65% survival to hospital discharge. However, there was a high rate of complications, the presence of which was associated with decreased survival. Complications appeared to be related to pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation clinical status and whether earlier extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation prior to patient deterioration would improve outcomes needs additional evaluation.

Preemptive veno-venous ECMO support in a patient with anticipated difficult airway: A case report

This report presents a case of endotracheal metastasis in which elective veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) was used to undergo tracheal laser-surgery prior to establishment of a definitive airway. Specifically, we describe the respiratory and airway management in an adult patient from the preclinical phase throughout elective preoperative ECMO implantation to postoperative ECMO weaning and decannulation in the Intensive Care Unit. This case report lends further supports to the idea that the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could be electively used to provide safe environment for surgery in situations where the standard maneuvers of sustaining adequate gas exchange are anticipated to fail.

The impact of Centre's heart transplant status and volume on in-hospital outcomes following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) that is refractory to inotropic support remains a major concern in cardiac surgery and is almost universally fatal unless treated with mechanical support. While reported mortality rates on ECMO vary from center to center, aim of the current report is assess if the outcomes differ between centres according to volume and heart transplantation status.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA statement using PubMed/Medline databases between 2010 and 2018. Relevant articles were scrutinized and included in the meta-analysis only if reporting in-hospital/30-day mortality and heart transplantation status of the centre. Paediatric and congenital heart surgery-related studies along with those conducted in the setting of veno-venous ECMO for respiratory distress syndrome were excluded. Differences were assessed by means of subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies enrolling N = 4421 ECMO patients were included. Of those, 6 series were performed in non-HTx centres (204 pts.;4.6%). Overall 30-day survival (95% Confidence Intervals) was 35.3% (32.5-38.2%) and did not statistically differ between non-HTx: 33.3% (26.8-40.4%) and HTx centres: 35.7% (32.7-38.8%); Pinteraction = 0.531. There was no impact of centre volume on survival as well: ßcoef = 0.0006; P = 0.833. No statistical differences were seen between HTx and non-HTx with respect to ECMO duration, limb complications, reoperations for bleeding, kidney injury and sepsis. There were however significantly less neurological complications in the HTx as compared to non-HTx centres: 11.9% vs 19.5% respectively; P = 0.009; an inverse relationship was seen for neurologic complications in centres performing more ECMOs annually ßcoef = - 0.0066; P = 0.031. Weaning rates and bridging to HTx and/or VADs were higher in HTx facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no apparent difference in survival after ECMO implantation for refractory PCS according to centre's ECMO volume and transplantation status. Potentially different risk profiles of patients in these centres must be taken account for before definite conclusions are drawn.

Adrenergic Downregulation in Critical Care: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Evidence

Catecholamines remain the mainstay of therapy for acute cardiovascular dysfunction. However, adrenergic receptors quickly undergo desensitization and downregulation after prolonged stimulation. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high circulating catecholamines levels is associated with several adverse effects on different organ systems. Unfortunately, in critically ill patients, adrenergic downregulation translates into progressive reduction of cardiovascular response to exogenous catecholamine administration, leading to refractory shock. Accordingly, there has been a growing interest in recent years toward use of noncatecholaminergic inotropes and vasopressors. Several studies investigating a wide variety of catecholamine-sparing strategies (eg, levosimendan, vasopressin, β-blockers, steroids, and use of mechanical circulatory support) have been published recently. Use of these agents was associated with improvement in hemodynamics and decreased catecholamine use but without a clear beneficial effect on major clinical outcomes. Accordingly, additional research is needed to define the optimal management of catecholamine-resistant shock.

Extracellular histones indicate the prognosis in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

Introduction:

Extracellular histones have been recently identified as damage-associated molecular-pattern (DAMP) molecules involved with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. This study intended to investigate whether extracellular histones can indicate the prognosis in critically ill patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.

Methods:

A total of 56 patients undergoing ECMO were analysed retrospectively. Median concentrations of extracellular histones in patients before ECMO were assessed and used to divide the patients into two groups (Group 1 <48 µg/ml and Group 2 ⩾48 µg/ml). Mortality rate, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores and systemic inflammation were compared between the groups.

Results:

There were relatively higher concentrations of extracellular histones in Group 2 patients (57.78 µg/ml [48.4, 71.3]) than in Group 1 patients (36.76 µg/ml [28.5, 39.3], p<0.0001). The hospital mortality rate was 55.4% for the entire study subjects, with significantly worsened mortality in Group 2 in contrast to Group 1 (58.8% vs. 50%, p=0.031). Moreover, Group 2 patients had significantly higher SOFA scores and more pronounced systemic inflammation than Group 1 patients prior to ECMO initialization.

Conclusions:

Extracellular histones are known contributors to cell damage and organ injury. Our study showed that extracellular histones have a predictive value in the assessment of outcome of patients undergoing ECMO therapy and may be helpful for risk stratification in clinical settings.