Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Primary Graft Dysfunction After Cardiac Transplantation: Results of an A Priori Ventless Approach

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after cardiac transplantation is a devastating complication with increasing frequency lately in the setting of donation after circulatory death (DCD). Severe PGD is commonly treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) using central or peripheral cannulation. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of PGD after cardiac transplantation requiring ECMO support at our center from 2015 to 2020, focused on our now preferential approach using peripheral cannulation without a priori venting. During the study period, 255 patients underwent heart transplantation at our center and 26 (10.2%) of them required ECMO for PGD. Of 24 patients cannulated peripherally 19 (79%) were alive at 30 days and 17 (71%) 1 year after transplant; two additional patients underwent central ECMO cannulation due to unfavorable size of femoral vessels and concern for limb ischemia. Successful decannulation with full graft function recovery occurred in 22 of 24 (92%) patients cannulated peripherally. Six of them had an indwelling intra-aortic balloon pump placed before the transplantation. None of the other 18 patients received a ventricular vent. In conclusion, the use of an a priori peripheral and ventless ECMO approach in patients with PGD after heart transplant is an effective strategy associated with high rates of graft recovery and survival.

A winter to remember! Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for life-threatening asthma in children: A case series and review of literature

Progressive refractory near-fatal asthma requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation can lead to death. Data on outcomes in children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for status asthmaticus is sparse. We describe our experience of three patients in the winter of 2018 to 2019 successfully rescued with ECMO. We also report our novel use of extubation while still being on ECMO support. Awareness and use of ECMO in refractory asthma can help lower the mortality for this very common disease in children. We also review the current literature on the use of ECMO and other extracorporeal therapies in asthma.

Hemolysis and Nonhemorrhagic Stroke During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Hemolysis, even at low levels, activates platelets to create a prothrombotic state and is common during mechanical circulatory support. We examined the association of low-level hemolysis (LLH) and nonhemorrhagic stroke during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of all adult patients placed on VA ECMO from January 2012 to September 2017 was conducted. To determine the association between LLH and nonhemorrhagic stroke, patients were categorized as those with and without LLH. LLH was defined by 48-hour plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) of 11 to 50 mg/dL after VA ECMO implantation.

RESULTS

Of 201 patients who underwent VA ECMO placement, 150 (75%) met inclusion criteria and comprised the study population. They were 55 ± 14 years of age and 50 (33%) were women. Sixty-two (41%) patients had LLH. Patients with LLH had a higher likelihood of incident nonhemorrhagic stroke during VA ECMO support (20 [32%] versus 4 [5%]; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 7.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2 to 25.9; p = 0.001). The severity of LLH was associated with an incrementally higher likelihood of a nonhemorrhagic stroke (PFHb 26 to 50 mg/dL: HR, 11.3; 95% CI, 3.6 to 35.1; p = 0.001; PFHb 11 to 25 mg/dL: HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.36 to 14.85; p = 0.014) in comparison with no LLH. Those with LLH had a 2-fold greater increase in mean platelet volume after VA ECMO placement (0.98 ± 1.1 fL versus 0.49 ± 0.96 fL; p = 0.03). Patients with a nonhemorrhagic stroke had a higher operative mortality (20 [83%] versus 57 [45%]; adjusted HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.3; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemolysis at low levels during VA ECMO support is associated with subsequent nonhemorrhagic stroke.

Factors Associated with Ipsilateral Limb Ischemia in Patients Undergoing Femoral Cannulation Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important life-saving modality for patients with cardiopulmonary failure. Vascular complications, including clinically significant limb ischemia, may occur as a result of femoral artery cannulation for venoarterial (VA) ECMO. This study examines our institutional experience with femoral VA ECMO and the development of ipsilateral limb ischemia.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing femoral VA ECMO between 2011 and 2016. The primary endpoint was clinical evidence of limb-threatening ischemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for limb ischemia after cannulation.

RESULTS

Between March 2011 and September 2016, 154 patients underwent femoral cannulation for VA ECMO. Overall in-hospital mortality was 59.7%. Clinically significant ipsilateral limb ischemia occurred in 34 (22%) patients; 7 required four-compartment fasciotomy, and 3 of these patients required amputation. On univariate analysis, a history of pulmonary disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke or transient ischemic attack was significantly associated with clinical limb ischemia. On multivariate analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.99), diabetes (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.08-7.12), pulmonary disease (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.38-10.78), and peripheral arterial disease (OR, 13.68; CI, 2.75-68.01) were associated with limb ischemia. Lack of prophylactic distal perfusion catheter and arterial cannula size were not independently associated with limb ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Femoral ECMO cannulation can be associated with significant limb ischemia necessitating surgical intervention. Younger patients, as well as those with a history of diabetes, pulmonary disease, and peripheral arterial disease, may be at increased risk for this complication.