Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest.

This JAMA Insights Clinical Update discusses the newer treatment option of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, particularly for patients with cardiac arrest who are not responsive to initial treatment.

A Dual-Lumen Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation Technique Using a Mobile X-Ray Device.

PURPOSE: Dual-lumen extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation is considered technically challenging and harbors the risk of potential life-threatening complications during cannulation. Dual-lumen cannula insertion is performed under either ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance. Both techniques have significant disadvantages, such as examiner dependence or the necessity for transportation of the patient from the intensive care unit to the operating room. DESCRIPTION: Digital, mobile x-ray devices provide a novel, examiner-independent imaging modality for bedside dual-lumen ECMO cannulation. EVALUATION: From November 2019 to November 2021, 23 dual-lumen cannulations were performed in 20 patients at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Twelve of 23 (52.2%) were inserted in the intensive care unit using a mobile x-ray device. The remaining patients (47.8%) were cannulated in the operating room with conventional fluoroscopy guidance. In none of the procedures did cardiovascular injuries occur. Insertion site bleeding was the most common ECMO-related complication (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: Dual-lumen cannulation using sequential x-rays can be performed safely. Especially for infectious patients or patients who require an awake ECMO, this technique overcomes disadvantages of established imaging modalities.

Injection of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator into Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenators Postpones Oxygenator Exchange in COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has drastically increased the number of patients requiring extracorporeal life support. We investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) injection into exhausted oxygenators to delay exchange in critically ill COVID-19 patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). Small doses of rtPA were injected directly into the draining section of a V-V ECMO circuit. We compared transmembrane pressure gradient, pump head efficiency, membrane arterial partial oxygen pressure, and membrane arterial partial carbon dioxide pressure before and after the procedure. Bleeding was compared with a matched control group of 20 COVID-19 patients on V-V ECMO receiving standard anticoagulation. Four patients received 16 oxygenator instillations with rtPA at 5, 10, or 20 mg per dose. Administration of rtPA significantly reduced transmembrane pressure gradient (Δ pm = 54.8 ± 18.1 mmHg before vs . 38.3 ± 13.3 mmHg after, p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner (Pearson's R -0.63, p = 0.023), allowing to delay oxygenator exchange, thus reducing the overall number of consumed oxygenators. rtPA increased blood flow efficiency η (1.20 ± 0.28 ml/revolution before vs . 1.24 ± 0.27 ml/r, p = 0.002). Lysis did not affect membrane blood gases or systemic coagulation. Minor bleeding occurred in 2 of 4 patients (50%) receiving oxygenator lysis as well as 19 of 20 control patients (95%). Lysis of ECMO oxygenators effectively delays oxygenator exchange, if exchange is indicated by an increase in transmembrane pressure gradient. Application of lysis did not result in higher bleeding incidences compared with anticoagulated patients on V-V ECMO for COVID-19.

Surgical outcomes of bridge-to-bridge therapy with extracorporeal left ventricular assist device for acute myocardial infarction in cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal left ventricular assist device is often required for acute myocardial infarction patients in cardiogenic shock when temporary mechanical circulatory support fails to provide hemodynamic stabilization. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction patients in cardiogenic shock supported by an extracorporeal left ventricular assist device. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 13 acute myocardial infarction patients in cardiogenic shock treated with an extracorporeal left ventricular assist device from April 2011 to July 2020. RESULTS: Twelve (92.3%) and eleven (84.6%) patients were supported using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pumping before implantation, respectively. The median duration from acute myocardial infarction to extracorporeal left ventricular assist device implantation was 7 (3.5-24.5) days. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 30.8% (n = 4). Extracorporeal left ventricular assist device was explanted in one patient for cardiac recovery; eight (61.5%) patients were approved as heart transplant candidates in whom the extracorporeal left ventricular assist device was exchanged for a durable left ventricular assist device; two (15.4%) expired while waiting for a heart transplant, and two (15.4%) received a successful transplant. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates after extracorporeal left ventricular assist device implantation were 68.3% and 49.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The operative mortality after extracorporeal left ventricular assist device implantation in acute myocardial infarction patients in cardiogenic shock was favorable. Our strategy of early hemodynamic stabilization with extracorporeal left ventricular assist device implantation in these patients as a bridge-to-bridge therapy was effective in achieving better survival.

Predictors of circuit health in neonatal patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

To identify predictors of neonatal ECMO circuit health, a retrospective analysis of circuit functional pressure and flow parameters as well as infant clotting values were collected 48 h prior to and 24 h post circuit change. Circuit impairment was defined as need for partial or total circuit change. Statistical analysis used multivariate statistics and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test with possible non-normality of measurements. A total of 9764 ECMO circuit and clotting values in 21 circuits were analyzed. Circuit delta-P mean, and maximum values increased from 8.62 to 48.59 mmHg (p < 0.011) and 16.00 to 53.00 mmHg (p < 0.0128) respectively prior to need for circuit change. Maximum and mean Pump Flow Revolutions per minute (RPM) increased by 75% (p < 0.0043) and 81% (p < 0.0057), respectively. Mean plasma free hemoglobin (pfHb) increased from 26.45 to 76.00 mg/dl, (p < 0.0209). Sweep, venous pressure, and clotting parameters were unaffected. ECMO circuit delta-P, RPM, and pfHb were early predictors of circuit impairment.

Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Bridge to Replacement Therapies in Cardiogenic Shock: Insights From the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as bridge to heart transplant (orthotopic heart transplant [OHT]) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) over the last decade. We aimed to provide insights on the population, outcomes, and predictors for the selection of each therapy. METHODS: Using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry between 2010 and 2019, we compared in-hospital mortality and length of stay, predictors of OHT versus LVAD, and predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients with cardiogenic shock that were bridged with ECMO to OHT or LVAD. One hundred sixty-seven patients underwent LVAD versus 234 patients who underwent OHT. RESULTS: The overall use of ECMO has increased from 1.7% in 2010 to 22.2% in 2019. Mortality was similar between groups (LVAD: 28.7% versus OHT: 29.1%) while length of stay was longer for OHT (LVAD: 49.6 versus OHT: 59.5 days, P=0.05). Factors associated with OHT included prior transplant (odds ratio [OR]=31.26 [CI, 3.84-780.5]), use of a temporary pacemaker (OR=6.5 [CI, 1.39-50.15]), and increased use of inotropes on ECMO (OR=3.77 [CI, 1.39-11.07]), whereas LVAD use was associated with weight (OR=0.98 [CI, 0.97-0.99]), cardiogenic shock presentation (OR=0.40 [CI, 0.21-0.78]), previous LVAD (OR=0.01 [CI, 0.0001-0.22]), respiratory failure (OR=0.28 [CI, 0.11-0.70]), and milrinone infusion (OR=0.32 [CI, 0.15-0.67]). Older age (OR=1.07 [CI, 1.02-1.12]), cannulation bleeding (OR=26.1 [CI, 4.32-221.3]), and surgical bleeding (OR=6.7 [CI, 1.26-39.9]) in patients receiving LVAD and respiratory failure (OR=5 [CI, 1.17-23.1]) and continuous renal replacement therapy (OR=3.82 [CI, 1.28-11.9]) in patients receiving OHT were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO use as a bridge to advanced therapies has increased over time, with more patients undergoing LVAD than OHT. Mortality was equal between the 2 groups while length of stay was longer for OHT.

Basics of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OVERVIEW: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming commonplace worldwide in ICUs for the care of patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Understanding the use of ECMO and the management of these complex patients will be vital to current and future clinicians as ECMO use continues to grow.

Flow Monitoring of ECMO Circuit for Detecting Oxygenator Obstructions.

Oxygenator thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is a complication that necessitates component replacement. ECMO centers monitor clot burden by intermittent measurement of pressure drop across the oxygenator. An increase in pressure drop at a preset flow rate suggests an increase in resistance/clot formation within the oxygenator. This monitoring method comes with inherent disadvantages such as monitoring gaps, and increased risk of air embolism and infection. We explored utilizing flow measurement, which avoids such risks, as an indicator of ECMO circuit obstructions. The hypothesis that flow rate through a shunt tube in the circuit will increase as distal resistances in the circuit increases was tested. We experimentally simulated controlled levels of oxygenator obstructions using glass microspheres in an ex vivo veno-venous ECMO circuit and measured the change in shunt flow rate using over the tube ultra-sound flow probes. A mathematical model was also used to study the effect of distal resistances in the ECMO circuit on shunt flow. Results of both the mathematical model and the experiments showed a clear and measurable increase in shunt flow with increasing levels of oxygenator obstruction. Therefore, flow monitoring appears to be an effective non-contact and continuous method to monitor for obstruction during ECMO.

Biofilm microbiome in extracorporeal membrane oxygenator catheters.

Despite the formation of biofilms on catheters for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), some patients do not show bacteremia. To elucidate the specific linkage between biofilms and bacteremia in patients with ECMO, an improved understanding of the microbial community within catheter biofilms is necessary. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the biofilm microbiome of ECMO catheters from adults with (n = 6) and without (n = 15) bacteremia. The microbiomes of the catheter biofilms were evaluated by profiling the V3 and V4 regions of bacterial 16s rRNA genes using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In total, 2,548,172 reads, with an average of 121,341 reads per sample, were generated. Although alpha diversity was slightly higher in the non-bacteremic group, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, there was no difference in beta diversity between the two groups. We found 367 different genera, of which 8 were present in all samples regardless of group; Limnohabitans, Flavobacterium, Delftia, Massilia, Bacillus, Candidatus, Xiphinematobacter, and CL0-1 showed an abundance of more than 1% in the sample. In particular, Arthrobacter, SMB53, Neisseria, Ortrobactrum, Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia, Deefgae, Dyella, Paracoccus, and Pedobacter were highly abundant in the bacteremic group. Network analysis indicated that the microbiome of the bacteremic group was more complex than that of the non-bacteremic group. Flavobacterium and CL0.1, which were abundant in the bacteremic group, were considered important genera because they connected different subnetworks. Biofilm characteristics in ECMO catheters varied according to the presence or absence of bacteremia. There were no significant differences in diversity between the two groups, but there were significant differences in the community composition of the biofilms. The biofilm-associated community was dynamic, with the bacteremic group showing very complex network connections within the microbiome.

Liberation From Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Review.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used for circulatory support in cardiogenic shock as a bridge to recovery, a bridge to a ventricular assist device (VAD), or a bridge to transplant. While the determination of potential exit strategies is essential before cannulation, the final determination of a patient's options may change, in part, through their in-hospital clinical course. We propose that liberation from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be conceptualized as a process of discovery in the assessment of a patient's underlying clinical status and a key driver of further clinical decision-making. A trial of liberation from support should be considered when the goals of the weaning trial are well-defined and, ideally, in the absence of potentially confounding clinical factors. In this review, we will discuss readiness to wean criteria from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, as well as specific clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters that may prove useful in determining weaning timing and revealing the patient's underlying hemodynamic status and prognosis. The role of various cannula configurations, support devices, and pharmacological adjuncts will also be discussed. Finally, we highlight current gaps in evidence and suggest areas of future research.

Oxigenação extracorpórea (ECMO) para suporte de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória grave e refratária / Extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO) to support patients with severe and refractory respiratory failure

INTRODUÇÃO: Na atualidade, com a pandemia pelo novo Coronavírus, SARS-CoV-2, 15% dos casos (> 2 milhões) tem sido documentados e hospitalizados. Dentre estes pacientes internados, >50% tiveram requerimento de cuidados intensivos, e em UTI, ≈80% dos casos necessitaram/ necessitam ventilação mecânica invasiva, VMi. Quando refratários à VM, um certo número de pacientes, sobretudo mais jovens sem ou com apenas 1 comorbidade, têm se beneficiado de suporte com a ECMO. TECNOLOGIA: Oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO). PERGUNTA: A oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) possui efetividade em reduzir complicações e mortalidade ou em melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com síndrome respiratória aguda grave decorrente de infecções virais, refratária à ventilação mecânica convencional em comparação às alternativas terapêuticas para o tratamento da ventilação mecânica convencional isolada? Qual é a relação entre o custo da ECMO e sua efetividade comparativa? Qual seria a estimativa de impacto orçamentário deste procedimento para o SUS? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: A revisão sistemática comparando o suporte respiratório com ventilação mecânica em pacientes com SARA grave versus ventilação mecânica ultra - protetora associada à ECMO foi realizada com seis estudos, 915 pacientes nos 3 estudos randomizados com alta qualidade e 3 com pareamento caso-controle estruturado e baixo risco de vieses, exceto 1 mais antigo que apresentou elevado risco de viés de publicação. A metanálise combinando os estudos (com baixa heterogeneidade I2=9%, p=0,35) mostrou um ganho consistente de 33% de sobrevida (RR=0,67; IC95%: 0,57 a 0,79) para os pacientes com SRAG ou SARA grave que receberam suporte com ECMO, tanto no modelo fixo quanto no modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Também houve tendência de vantagem na qualidade de vida em favor da ECMO nos aspectos de saúde em geral em 1 destes estudos. As complicações como sangramento, isquemia de extremidades, hemólise e ativação da resposta inflamatória se reduziram com a associação com a estratégia ventilatória protetora com baixos volumes correntes e baixas pressões em vias aéreas permitindo o mais amplo uso de ECMO VV e repouso pulmonar (RR= 2,81; IC95%: 0,4 a 19,89 em 3 estudos que as relataram). A taxa de mortalidade em pacientes com COVID-19 foi de 87,5% nos pacientes com ECMO e 69,2% nos pacientes com terapia convencional. As chances combinadas de mortalidade em ECMO comparada à terapia convencional não foram significativamente diferentes (Estimativa= 0,273, IC95%, 0,06 a 1,111; I2= 0%, Q de Cochran, valor de p= 0,57). AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Avaliação econômica: Na experiência Brasileira com a pandemia de COVID-19, a estimativa de custo da internação com a ventilação mecânica foi de R$ 78.750,34 para ganhar 0,222±0,024 QALY versus R$ 119.433,62 com a ECMO para se obter 0,646±0,066 QALYs, resultando na diferença incremental de R$ 40.683,28/0,424±0,042 QALYs e na relação de custo-efetividade incremental, RCEI, de valor de R$ 95.951,13 para se obter 1 ano de vida ganho com qualidade. A Análise de Sensibilidade, variando os dias de ocorrência dos eventos segundo os limites do IC95%, resultou no mínimo valor da internação de R$ 37.206,15 devido aos óbitos precoces sob VM até o máximo de R$ 359.504,63 em casos de fatalidades em pacientes com comorbidade e permanência prolongada; em 1% dos pacientes que tiveram suporte com ECMO o custo variou entre no mínimo R$ 100.955,12 (adicionando R$ 7.448,27 ao conjunto das terapias) até o máximo de R$ 309.801,16, casos em que reduziu a permanência em pacientes com comorbidade e reduziu os custos de R$ 11.000,19 para o conjunto das terapias. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Internacionalmente, a necessidade de ECMO está estimada em 1% a 1,2% dos pacientes com SARA grave que estão sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. Desta forma, 99% dos pacientes críticos com COVID-19 responderiam com ventilação mecânica convencional e o restante 1% refratário necessitaria resgate ECMO. Para o Brasil, o Impacto Orçamentário Incremental com a intervenção de ECMO somaria R$ 15.703.746,08 no 1º. ano e se estima somar R$ 80.816.036,09 com uma taxa de 1% de desconto nos 5 primeiros anos. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: ECMO com indicações cuidadosas pode resgatar uma parcela 1% dos pacientes (≈ 400) e recuperar de morte evitável, sobretudo, como parte da Política Nacional de Emergency Preparedness, mediante impacto orçamentário de R$ 15 milhões. Em 2020, 1% das internações COVID-19 foram extremamente prolongadas sob ventilação mecânica exclusiva, que além das fatalidades, custaram mais que a adoção deste programa. Aprimorar a rede nacional contribui para o planejamento do sistema de saúde, justifica investimentos públicos e favorece o cumprimento das metas de desenvolvimento comprometidas internacionalmente, bem como a classificação do Brasil pela OMS. A adoção deste procedimento de alto custo e alta complexidade pelo SUS certamente favorecerá, como nas experiências internacionais citadas acima, negociar e regular o mercado para evitar abusos, bem como complementar a Política Nacional de Emergency Preparedness para esta e outras emergências de insuficiência respiratória aguda e refratária à ventilação mecânica, onde o suporte ao pulmão e coração auxilie a prevenir morte evitável. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL DA CONITEC: A matéria foi pautada na 5ª Reunião Extraordinária da Conitec no dia 13 de maio de 2021. Os membros da Conitec entenderam que apesar dos benefícios do tratamento, há uma grande dificuldade de ampliação e cobertura de tratamento para todos os pacientes que porventura iriam necessitar da terapia. O plenário pontuou que de 30 equipes e centros reconhecidos e cadastrados na ELSO que oferecem o suporte com ECMO, apenas nove são pertencentes ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), sendo a maioria deles concentrados em grandes centros na região Sudeste. Assim, os membros presentes entenderam que haveria uma inequidade no atendimento à população em tratamento no SUS devido à concentração de equipe especializada em uma região e dificuldades de transferência destes pacientes para esses grandes centros. Foi pontuado também, a impossibilidade de tratamento com ECMO em hospitais de campanha devido ao alto investimento em infraestrutura e ausência de pessoal qualificado para condução do paciente. Atendendo ao SUS, há apenas dois centros que possuem nível de 30 experiências anteriores com tratamento e certificação ELSO. Para certificação cada centro precisa ter realizado pelo menos cinco procedimentos supervisionados para se qualificar e certificar, portanto, inviável a criação de novos centros no contexto atual. E por fim, apenas uma pequena parcela da população necessitaria do procedimento. Pelo exposto, o Plenário deliberou que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em Consulta Pública com recomendação preliminar desfavorável à incorporação da oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) para o suporte de pacientes com síndrome respiratória aguda grave decorrente de infecções virais, refratária à ventilação mecânica convencional no âmbito do SUS. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A Consulta Pública nº 38 foi realizada entre os dias 17/05/2021 e 27/05/2021 e apresentada na 98ª. Reunião em 10 de junho de 2021. Nesta, foram recebidas 212 contribuições, sendo 72 pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas e 140 pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. No total, dentre as 72 Contribuições técnico-científicas, 42 foram não vazias: 3 Contribuições Concordantes com parecer desfavorável à incorporação, 1 para uma medicação e 38 Contribuições Discordantes com a recomendação preliminar membros da Conitec desfavorável à incorporação da ECMO. No formulário sobre experiência ou opinião, em total, houve 140 Contribuições com 86 substantivas sendo 3 Contribuições Concordantes com parecer desfavorável à incorporação, 1 para outra tecnologia e 83 Contribuições Discordantes com a recomendação preliminar membros da Conitec desfavorável à incorporação da ECMO. A Consulta Pública contou, portanto, com 60% de contribuições não vazias (127 dentre as 212) sendo majoritariamente (93%) em favor da incorporação da Oxigenação Extracorpórea (ECMO) como terapia para suporte de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória grave e refratária e prevenir mortes evitáveis. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Pelo exposto, o Plenário da Conitec, em sua 98ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 10 de junho de 2021, deliberou por maioria simples recomendar a não incorporação da Oxigenação Extracorpórea (ECMO) como terapia para suporte de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória grave e refratária no SUS. Para tomar essa decisão, os membros do Plenário da Conitec consideraram que apesar dos benefícios do tratamento, há uma grande dificuldade de ampliação e cobertura de tratamento para todos os pacientes que porventura iriam necessitar da terapia, e que seria inviável a criação de novos centros no contexto atual. Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação no . 631/2021. DECISÃO: Não incorporar a Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea (ECMO) para o suporte de pacientes com insuficiência respiratória grave e refratária, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS, conforme a Portaria nº 1.327, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 118, seção 1, página 128, em 25 de junho de 2021.

Allocation of Respirators in the Coronavirus Crisis in Israel: An Ethical Analysis and A Scheme for Triage.

BACKGROUND: This focus article is a theoretical reflection on the ethics of allocating respirators to patients in circumstances of shortage, especially during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Israel. In this article, respirators are placeholders for similar life-saving modalities in short supply, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines and intensive care unit beds. In the article, I propose a system of triage for circumstances of scarcity of respirators. The system separates the hopeless from the curable, granting every treatable person a real chance of cure. The scarcity situation eliminates excesses of medicine, and then allocates respirators by a single scale, combining an evidence-based scoring system with risk-proportionate lottery. The triage proposed embodies continuity and consistency with the healthcare practices in ordinary times. Yet, I suggest two regulatory modifications: one in relation to expediting review of novel and makeshift solutions and the second in relation to mandatory retrospective research on all relevant medical data and standard (as opposed to experimental) interventions that are influenced by the triage.

Mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a Danish nationwide multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or Impella has shown potential as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to describe the gradual implementation, survival and adherence to the national consensus with respect to use of MCS for OHCA in Denmark, and to identify factors associated with outcome. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study included patients receiving MCS for OHCA at all tertiary cardiac arrest centers (n = 4) in Denmark between July 2011 and December 2020. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to determine association with outcome. Outcome was presented as survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcome, 30-day survival and predictors of 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 259 patients were included in the study. Thirty-day survival was 26%. Sixty-five (25%) survived to hospital discharge and a good neurological outcome (Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories 1-2) was observed in 94% of these patients. Strict adherence to the national consensus showed a 30-day survival rate of 30% compared with 22% in patients violating one or more criteria. Adding criteria to the national consensus such as signs of life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pre-hospital low-flow < 100 min, pH > 6.8 and lactate < 15 mmol/L increased the survival rate to 48%, but would exclude 58% of the survivors from the current cohort. Logistic regression identified asystole (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18-1.57), pulseless electrical activity (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.41), initial pH < 6.8 (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12-1.46) and lactate levels > 15 mmol/L (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16-1.53) as factors associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients presenting signs of life during CPR had reduced risk of 30-day mortality (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: A high survival rate with a good neurological outcome was observed in this Danish population of patients treated with MCS for OHCA. Stringent patient selection for MCS may produce higher survival rates but potentially withholds life-saving treatment in a significant proportion of survivors.

Single arterial access ECMELLA: A new concept and step-by-step procedure.

Therapy for cardiogenic shock using temporary mechanical circulatory support has improved significantly in the last decades, providing patients with new technologies for both acute phase stabilization and bridging to long-term therapies. A combination of a venoarterial extracorporeal life support system and the Impella left ventricular assist device (known as the ECMELLA approach) represents an effective therapy for severe cardiogenic shock that achieves high-flow circulatory support with simultaneous left-ventricular unloading. We present the new ECMELLA 2.0 concept, whereby a single arterial access technique is used to treat severe cardiogenic shock. The goal of this technique is to reduce access-related complications and make a bedside staged weaning from mechanical support possible.

Different mechanisms of oxygenator failure and high plasma von Willebrand factor antigen influence success and survival of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

OBJECTIVE: Failure of membrane oxygenator (MO) function of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (VV ECMO) remains problematic. The development of device-induced coagulation disorder (COD) or worsened gas transfer (WGT) necessitates a system exchange. The aim was to correlate von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) with the predisposition to MO failure and mortality. METHODS: Laboratory parameters (inflammation, coagulation) and ECMO-related data from 31 VV ECMO patients were analyzed before and after the first MO exchange. Study groups were identified according to the exchange reasons (COD, WGT) and the extent of vWF:Ag (low, ≤425%; high, >425%). RESULTS: vWF:Ag remained unchanged after system exchange. High vWF:Ag was associated with systemic endothelial activation of older and obese patients with elevated SOFA score, increased norepinephrine and higher requirement of continuous renal replacement therapy without an effect on MO runtime and mortality. Including the mechanism of MO failure (COD, WGT), various patient group emerged. COD/low vWF:Ag summarized younger and less critically ill patients that benefit mainly from ECMO by a significant improvement of their inflammatory and coagulation status (CRP, D-dimers, fibrinogen) and highest survival rate (91%). Instead, WGT/high vWF:Ag presented older and more obese patients with a two-digit SOFA score, highest norepinephrine, and aggravated gas transfer. They benefited temporarily from system exchange but with worst survival (33%). CONCLUSIONS: vWF:Ag levels alone cannot predict early MO failure and outcome in VV ECMO patients. Probably, the mechanism of clotting disorder in combination with the vWF:Ag level seems to be essential for clot formation within the MO. In addition, vWF:Ag levels allows the identification different patient populations In particular, WGT/high vWF:Ag represented a critically ill population with higher ECMO-associated mortality.

Complete percutaneous angio-guided approach using preclosing for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation and explantation in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: The approach for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation (VA-ECMO) in patients with cardiogenic shock can be either surgical or percutaneous. Complete angio-guided percutaneous implantation and explantation could decrease vascular complications. We sought to describe the initial results of complete percutaneous angio-guided ECMO implantation and explantation using preclosing. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent peripheral femoro-femoral VA-ECMO percutaneous implantation for refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest were enrolled in a prospective registry (03/2018-12/2020). Percutaneous preclosing using two closing devices (Perclose ProGlide, Abbott) inserted before cannulation was used in both femoral artery and vein. Explantation was performed using a crossover technique under angiographic guidance. The occurrence of vascular complication was recorded. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients who underwent percutaneous VA-ECMO implantation for cardiogenic shock or refractory cardiac arrest, 41 underwent preclosing. Femoral vessel cannulation was successful in all patients and total cannulation time was 20 (10-40) min. Weaning from ECMO was possible in 22/41 patients (54%) and 12 (29%) patients were alive at day 30. Significant vascular complications occurred in 2/41 patients. Percutaneous decannulation was performed in 20 patients with 19/20 technical success rate. All femoral arteries and veins were properly closed using the pre-closing devices without bleeding on the angiographic control except for one patient in whom surgical closure of the artery was required. No patient required transfusion for access related significant bleeding and no other vascular complication occurred. Furthermore, no groin infection was observed after full percutaneous implantation and removal of ECMO. CONCLUSION: Emergent complete percutaneous angio-guided VA-ECMO implantation and explantation using pre-closing technique can be an attractive strategy in patients referred for refractory cardiogenic shock.

Parallel veno-venous and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane circuits for coexisting refractory hypoxemia and cardiovascular failure: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) techniques continues to evolve. Different cannulation methods and configurations have been proposed as a response to a challenging cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology of the patients. The use of parallel ECMO circuits represents a unique and novel approach for patients with refractory respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse with very large body surface areas. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 25-year-old morbidly obese male patient admitted for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and refractory hypoxemia, requiring institution of double cannulation for veno-venous ECMO. Since his hypoxemia persisted, likely due to insufficient flows given his large body surface area, an additional drainage venous cannula was implemented to provide higher flows, temporarily addressing his oxygenation status. Unfortunately, the patient developed concomitant cardiogenic shock refractory to inotropic support and extracorporeal fluid removal, further worsening his oxygenation status, thus the decision was to institute four-cannulation/parallel-circuits veno-venous and veno-arterial ECMO, successfully controlling both refractory hypoxemia and cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Our case illustrates a novel and complex approach for combined severe ARDS and cardiovascular collapse through the use of parallel veno-venous and veno-arterial ECMO circuits, and exemplifies the expansion of ECMO techniques and its life-saving capabilities when conservative approaches are futile.

Risk Factors for Hemolysis During Extracorporeal Life Support for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

BACKGROUND: Neonates receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) require prolonged support compared with neonates with other forms of respiratory failure. Hemolysis is a complication that can be seen during ECLS and can lead to renal failure and potentially to worse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of hemolysis in CDH patients treated with ECLS. METHODS: The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization database was used to identify infants with CDH (2000-2015). The primary outcome was hemolysis (plasma-free hemoglobin >50 mg/dL). Potentially associated variables were identified in the data set. Descriptive statistics and a series of nested multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associations between hemolysis and demographic, pre-ECLS, and on-ECLS factors. RESULTS: There were 4576 infants with a mortality of 52.5%. The overall mean rate of hemolysis was 10.5% during the study period. In earlier years (2000-2005), the hemolysis rates were 6.3% and 52.7% for roller versus centrifugal pumps, whereas in later years (2010-2015), they were 2.9% and 26.5%, respectively. The fully adjusted model demonstrated that the use of centrifugal pumps was a strong predictor of hemolysis (odds ratio: 6.67, 95% confidence interval: 5.14-8.67). In addition, other risk factors for hemolysis included low 5-min Apgar score, on-ECLS complications (renal, metabolic, and cardiovascular), and duration of ECLS. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of CDH patients receiving ECLS over 15 y, the use of centrifugal pumps increased over time, along with the rate of hemolysis. Patient- and treatment-level risk factors were identified contributing to the development of hemolysis.

Device-Induced Hemostatic Disorders in Mechanically Assisted Circulation.

Mechanically assisted circulation (MAC) sustains the blood circulation in the body of a patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or on ventricular assistance with a ventricular assist device (VAD) or on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a pump-oxygenator system. While MAC provides short-term (days to weeks) support and long-term (months to years) for the heart and/or lungs, the blood is inevitably exposed to non-physiological shear stress (NPSS) due to mechanical pumping action and in contact with artificial surfaces. NPSS is well known to cause blood damage and functional alterations of blood cells. In this review, we discussed shear-induced platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, platelet receptor shedding, and platelet apoptosis, shear-induced acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS), shear-induced hemolysis and microparticle formation during MAC. These alterations are associated with perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events, morbidity and mortality, and quality of life in MCS patients. Understanding the mechanism of shear-induce hemostatic disorders will help us develop low-shear-stress devices and select more effective treatments for better clinical outcomes.