Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to cardiopulmonary bypass with a single circuit exposure

Lung Transplantation Using a Hybrid Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) support using intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during lung transplantation (LTx) is now a routine practice for many high volume centers. Circuits that are dedicated to ECMO alone can be expensive and do not allow full cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to be performed. We describe our technique of instituting venoarterial ECMO during LTx using a less-expensive hybrid circuit that facilitates easy and immediate conversion to full CPB if needed, without interruption of ECC.

Impact of delayed systemic heparinization on postoperative bleeding and thromboembolism during post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates

INTRODUCTION

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is well-established for pediatric patients with post-cardiotomy heart failure. However, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is associated with major complications, that is, hemorrhage and thromboembolism. We seek to report our experience with delayed systemic heparinization during neonatal cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its impact on bleeding and thromboembolism.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 15 consecutive neonates who were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after congenital heart surgery during a period of 3 years (2015-2017). Our anticoagulation protocol consisted of full heparin reversal by protamine after switching from cardiopulmonary bypass to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (target activated clotting time: 120 ± 20 seconds). Administration of systemic heparinization was delayed until postoperative drainage volume declined to <1 mL/kg/h. Primary study endpoints were thromboembolism, bleeding, and requirement of blood products on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

RESULTS

Our cohort (mean age: 13 ± 2.6 days; mean weight: 3.1 ± 0.3 kg; 66.7% male) required post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a mean support time of 4.5 ± 2.2 days. Systemic heparinization was delayed averagely for 18.1 ± 9.3 hours. No thromboembolic events were observed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or after weaning. Relevant surgical site bleeding occurred in two patients (13.3%) requiring re-thoracotomy on the first postoperative day. Analysis of transfusion volumes revealed 24.5 ± 21.9 mL/kg/d mean packed red blood cells, 9.6 ± 7.1 mL/kg/d mean fresh frozen plasma, and 7.5 ± 5.7 mL/kg/d mean platelets. In-hospital survival was 86.6% (n = 13).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis, the results of delayed systemic heparinization in neonatal post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could lead one to conclude that this routine is safe and favorable with low risk for thromboembolic events, reduced postoperative hemorrhage, and reduced blood product utilization.

Modification of an extracorporeal life support circuit for intraoperative correction of complex congenital heart disease

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) was established in a newborn infant diagnosed with severe respiratory failure secondary to complex congenital heart disease. After 4 days of ECLS support in the intensive care unit, the infant was brought to the operating room for repair of the primary lesion. Due to concerns related to recurrent respiratory failure associated with blood contact to a new extracorporeal circuit, the existing ECLS circuit was modified for use in the operating room. This report describes the circuit modification steps and challenges related to running a modified ECLS circuit for cardiopulmonary support during cardiac surgery.

Modified CPB circuit for postoperative rescue of high-risk patients following cardiac repair: are we keeping safe?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly used to treat postcardiotomy cardiopulmonary dysfunction in small children. System readiness, need for additional blood products, and exposure to new surfaces are important considerations, particularly when used for resuscitation. We reviewed our experience with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system modified to provide extended circulatory support system after surgery in patients considered at high risk. When not used in the operating room, the system was recirculated for 24 hours. Before being discarded, blood samples were obtained for activated clotting time, arterial blood gas, and blood cultures from 10 circuits. Between January 2004, and December 2005, 44 patients underwent cardiac repair using this CPB system. ECMO support was initiated in the operating room in 8 patients, and six circuits were used after patient arrival in the intensive care unit. Blood sampling after 24 hours on standby circuits revealed acceptable values for pH, Pao2, hematocrit, ionized calcium, potassium level, and ACT. All blood cultures were negative at 5 days. Survival for patients who received a circuit on standby was 64%.This modified cardiopulmonary circuit can be transformed into a simple, safe, and effective ECMO support system. Deployment of a CPB circuit previously used for cardiac repair has many advantages and maximizes utilization of resources.