Abstract： Objective To summarize the clinical experiences of performing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on patients with heart and respiratory failure, and compare the clinical outcomes of Medtronic system and Quadrox PLS system. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 121 heart and respiratory failure patients who underwent ECMO treatment in Fu Wai Hospital from December 2004 to December 2009. Based on the different systems used, 121 patients were divided into two groups. In group M, there were 65 patients including 41 males and 24 females, with an age of 26.6±25.9 years; and they accepted Medtronic ECMO system treatment. In group Q, there were 56 patients including 39 males and 17 females, with an age of 32.4±23.9 years and they underwent Quadrox PLS ECMO system treatment. The evaluation of the clinical outcomes of these two different systems was based on the comparison of transmembrane pressure drop (TMPD), anticoagulation, hemolysis, plasma leakage, organ function, complication and hospital mortality between the two groups. Results Compared with group M, ECMO with Quadrox PLS system was associated with lower TMPD (at the beginning of ECMO: 15.0±6.0 mm Hg vs.28.0±5.0 mm Hg, P=0.000; 24 hours later: 16.0±5.0 mm Hg vs. 30.0±7.0 mm Hg, P=0.000) and less thrombus formation(7.1% vs.23.1%, P=0.037), less plasma leakage (0.0% vs. 50.8%, P=0.000), less hemolysis (14.3% vs. 29.2%, P=0.047). There were no significant differences between the two groups in support duration, complication rate, and hospital mortality(Pgt;0.05). Conclusion Both devices have similar effects for safe clinical application, but Quadrox PLS ECMO system has a relatively high biocompatibility with lower TMPD, less plasma leakage, and thrombus formation.
Abstract: Objective To summarize the clinical experience of plasma exchange （PE） during recardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of patients with severe haemolysis in cardiac surgery. Methods Between January 2001 and December 2005, five patients required PE for severe haemolysis after cardiac surgery. There were periprosthetic leakage and infective endocarditis in 3 patients, congenital heart disease of pulmonary artery stenosis with unsatisfied right ventricular outflow tract patching in 1 patient and thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 1 patient. They all need blood purification to avoid acute renal failure. Results Five patients were successfully treated with PE during CPB without major complications. The amount of plasma and blood transfused in the 5 patients were 2.2±0.8L and 0.6±0.3L respectively. The volume of plasma exchange and ultrafiltrate were 3.9±1.8L and 2.4±1.3L respectively.The electrolytes and bloodgas analysis in all patients were maintained at the normal levels. The hemodynamics was stable. After heart resuscitation CPB stopped smoothly. Disappearance of periprosthetic leakage and satisfaction of right ventricular outflow tract patching were observed by echocardiograms after peration.Extubation was performed 24h after the operation in 5 patients, and they were discharged 12 to 53 d after the operation with fully recovery. The urine was clear and the body temperature was normal. Before they left thehospital, the concentration of free hemoglobin was tested in 3 patients. The concentration of free hemoglobin was slightly higher in 1 patient (68mg/L), and normal in 2 patients (lt;40mg/L). Conclusion PE during CPB in severe haemolysis is a safe technique which can effectively prevent acute renal failure caused by severe mechanical haemolysis after cardiac surgery.
Cardiogenic shock (CS) describes a physiological state of end-organ hypoperfusion characterized by reduced cardiac output in the presence of adequate intravascular volume. Mortality still remains exceptionally high. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) has become the preferred device for short-term hemodynamic support in patients with CS. ECMO provides the highest cardiac output, complete cardiopulmonary support. In addition, the device has portable characteristics, more familiar to medical personnel. VA ECMO provides cardiopulmonary support for patients in profound CS as a bridge to myocardial recovery. This review provides an overview of VA ECMO in salvage of CS, emphasizing the indications, management and further direction.