scholarly journals Extracorporeal Life Support to Left Ventricular Assist Device Bridge to Heart Transplant

Circulation ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 100 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis D. Pagani ◽  
William Lynch ◽  
Fresca Swaniker ◽  
David B. Dyke ◽  
Robert Bartlett ◽  
...  

Background —The use of extracorporeal life support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]) as a direct bridge to heart transplant in adult patients is associated with poor survival. Similarly, the use of an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to salvage patients with cardiac arrest, severe hemodynamic instability, and multiorgan failure results in poor outcome. The use of LVAD implant in patients who present with cardiogenic shock who have not been evaluated for transplantation or who have sustained a recent myocardial infarction also raises concerns. ECMO may provide reasonable short-term support to patients with severe hemodynamic instability, permit recovery of multiorgan injury, and allow time to complete a transplant evaluation before long-term circulatory support with an implantable LVAD is instituted. After acquisition of the HeartMate LVAD (Thermo Cardiosystems, Inc), we began using ECMO as a bridge to an implantable LVAD and, subsequently, to transplantation in selected high-risk patients. Methods and Results —From October 1, 1996, through September 30, 1998, 32 adult patients who presented with refractory cardiogenic shock (cardiac index <2.0 L · min −1 · m −2 , with systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥24 mm Hg and dependent on ≥2 inotropes with or without intra-aortic balloon pump) were evaluated and accepted as candidates for mechanical assistance as a bridge to transplant. Of the 32 patients, 14 (group I) had a cardiac arrest or severe hemodynamic instability (systolic blood pressure ≤75 mm Hg) with evidence of multiorgan failure (defined as serum creatinine level >3 mg/dL or oliguria; international normalized ratio >1.5 or transaminases >5 times normal or total bilirubin >3 mg/dL; and needing mechanical ventilation). Group I patients were placed on ECMO support; 7 underwent subsequent LVAD implant and 1 was bridged directly to transplant. Six patients in group I survived to transplant hospitalization discharge. The remaining 18 patients (group II) underwent LVAD implant without ECMO support; 12 survived to transplant hospitalization discharge and 2 remained alive with ongoing LVAD support and awaited transplant. One-year actuarial survival from the initiation of circulatory support was 43% in group I and 75% in group II. One-year actuarial survival from the time of LVAD implant in group I, conditional on surviving ECMO, was 71% ( P =NS compared with group II). Conclusions —In appropriately selected high-risk patients, the rate of LVAD survival after initial ECMO support was not significantly different from the survival rate after LVAD support alone. An initial period of resuscitation with ECMO is an effective strategy to salvage patients with extreme hemodynamic instability and multiorgan injury. Use of LVAD resources is improved by avoiding LVAD implant in a very-high-risk cohort of patients who do not survive ECMO.

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (03) ◽  
pp. 164-169
Author(s):  
Alexander Assmann ◽  
Udo Boeken ◽  
Stefan Klotz ◽  
Wolfgang Harringer ◽  
Andreas Beckmann

Background In context of the multidisciplinary German scientific guideline “Use of extracorporeal circulation (extracorporeal life support [ECLS]/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) for cardiac and circulatory failure,” a nationwide survey should depict the status of organization and application of ECLS therapy in Germany. Methods Between June and October 2017, a standardized questionnaire consisting of 30 items related to ECLS therapy was sent to all German cardiosurgical departments, and all returned results were analyzed and evaluated. Results The return rate amounted to 92.9% (78 out of 84 departments). In the participating departments, ECLS therapy is subject to different responsibilities, and exhibits divergent processes and various ways for specialization of the involved personnel. This also concerns local application standards, such as cannulation strategies, anticoagulation management, left ventricular unloading, antiwatershed treatment, and weaning from circulatory support. Conclusion This nationwide survey underlines the necessity of a multidisciplinary guideline concerning ECLS therapy.


Perfusion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Meani ◽  
Thijs Delnoij ◽  
Giuseppe M. Raffa ◽  
Nuccia Morici ◽  
Giovanna Viola ◽  
...  

Background: Left ventricular (LV) afterload increase with protracted aortic valve (AV) closure may represent a complication of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to overcome such a hemodynamic shortcoming in patients submitted to peripheral V-A ECMO. Methods: Among 184 adult patients who were treated with peripheral V-A ECMO support at Medical University Center Maastricht Hospital between 2007 and 2018, patients submitted to IABP implant for protracted AV closure after V-A ECMO implant were retrospectively identified. All clinical and hemodynamic data, including echocardiographic monitoring, were collected and analyzed. Results: During the study period, 10 subjects (mean age 60 years old, 80% males) underwent IABP implant after peripheral V-A ECMO positioning due to the diagnosis of protracted AV closure and inefficient LV unloading as assessed by echocardiography and an absence of pulsation in the arterial pressure wave. Recovery of blood pressure pulsatility and enhanced LV unloading were observed in 8 patients after IABP placement, with no significant differences in the main hemodynamic parameters, inotropic therapy or in the ECMO flow (p=0.48). The weaning rate in this patient subgroup (mean ECMO duration 8 days), however, was only 10%, with another patient finally transplanted, leading to a 20% survival-to-hospital discharge. Conclusion: IABP placement was an effective solution in order to reverse the protracted AV closure and impaired LV unloading observed during peripheral V-A ECMO support. However, the impact on the weaning rate and survival needs further investigations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Bebiana Manuela Monteiro Faria ◽  
João Português ◽  
Roberto Roncon-Albuquerque Jr ◽  
Rodrigo Pimentel

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and rarely presents with cardiogenic shock (CS). Inverted TS (ITS) is a rare entity associated with the presence of a pheochromocytoma. Case summary We present a case of a young woman was admitted to the emergency department due to intense headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and breathlessness. An ITS secondary to a pheochromocytoma crisis presenting with CS was diagnosed. The patient was managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, until recovery of LV function. On the 35th day of hospitalization, open bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. Discussion Takotsubo syndrome patients presenting with CS are challenging and clinicians should be aware of underlying causes. Specific triggers such as pheochromocytoma should systematically be considered particularly if ITS was presented. Extracorporeal life support devices could provide temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients with TS on refractory CS and help to manage complex cases with TS due to pheochromocytoma.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Meani ◽  
Mikulas Mlcek ◽  
Mariusz Kowalewski ◽  
Giuseppe Maria Raffa ◽  
Federica Jiritano ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (V-A ECLS) as a mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock has increased dramatically over the last years. However, increased afterload may jeopardize left ventricle (LV) recovery and cause blood stasis and pulmonary edema. Therefore, several LV unloading techniques have been developed and used with limited understanding of the actual difference among them. The aim of the present study was to compare a trans-aortic suction device (Impella) and pulmonary artery (PA) drainage, for LV unloading and V-A ECLS management as well as efficacy in a porcine cardiogenic shock (CS) model Methods A dedicated CS model compared included twelve female swine (21± 1,8-weeks old and weighing 54,3 ± 4,6 kg) supported with V-A ECLS and randomized to Impella or PA-related LV drainage. LV unloading and end-organ perfusion were evaluated through the pulmonary artery catheter and the LV pressure/volume analysis. All the variables were collected at baseline, profound CS, V-A ECLS support with maximum flow and when Impella or PA cannula run on top. Results CS was successfully induced in all twelve animals. Impella resulted in a marked drop of LVEDV compared to a slight decrease in the PA cannula group, resulting in an overall stroke work (SW) and Pressure-Volume Area (PVA) reductions with both techniques. However, SW reduction was significant in the Impella CP group (VA ECMO 3998.82027.6 mmHg x mL vs VAECMO + Impella 1796.9±1033.9 mmHg x ml, p value 0,016), leading to a more consistent PVA reduction (Impella reduction 34,7% vs PA cannula reduction 9,7%) In terms of end organ perfusion, central and mixed O 2 saturation improved with V-A ECLS, and subsequently, remaining unchanged with either Impella or PA cannula as unloading strategy Conclusions Trans-aortic suction and PA drainage provided effective LV unloading during V-A ECLS while maintaining adequate end-organ perfusion. Trans-aortic suction device provides a greater LV unloading effect and reduces more effectively the total LV stroke work.


2020 ◽  
pp. 739-757
Author(s):  
P Hála ◽  
O Kittnar

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a treatment modality that provides prolonged blood circulation, gas exchange and can partially support or fully substitute functions of heart and lungs in patients with severe but potentially reversible cardiopulmonary failure refractory to conventional therapy. Due to high-volume bypass, the extracorporeal flow is interacting with native cardiac output. The pathophysiology of circulation and ECLS support reveals significant effects on arterial pressure waveforms, cardiac hemodynamics, and myocardial perfusion. Moreover, it is still subject of research, whether increasing stroke work caused by the extracorporeal flow is accompanied by adequate myocardial oxygen supply. The left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume mechanics are reflecting perfusion and loading conditions and these changes are dependent on the degree of the extracorporeal blood flow. By increasing the afterload, artificial circulation puts higher demands on heart work with increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. Further, this can lead to LV distention, pulmonary edema, and progression of heart failure. Multiple methods of LV decompression (atrial septostomy, active venting, intra-aortic balloon pump, pulsatility of flow) have been suggested to relieve LV overload but the main risk factors still remain unclear. In this context, it has been recommended to keep the rate of circulatory support as low as possible. Also, utilization of detailed hemodynamic monitoring has been suggested in order to avoid possible harm from excessive extracorporeal flow.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 1768-1773
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abouelwafa ◽  
Waheed Radwan ◽  
Alia Abdelfattah ◽  
Akram Abdelbary ◽  
Mohamed Khaled ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation is a form of temporary mechanical circulatory support that gets as a salvage technique in patients with cardiogenic shock, we intended to evaluate the effect of (VA ECMO) support on hemodynamics and lactate levels in patients with cardiogenic shock.AIM: The aim of our study is to detect the ability to introduce veno-arterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (VA ECMO) as a temporary extracorporeal life support system (ECLS) in our unit, demonstrate the role of ECMO in cardiogenic shock patients regarding improving hemodynamics and microcirculation, and demonstrate the complications and drawbacks in our first center experience regarding VA ECMO.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-centre observational study that included 10 patients admitted with cardiogenic shock for which VA ECMO was used as mechanical circulatory support. RESULTS: The MAP increased after initiation of the support. It was 41.8 ± 9.3 mmHg and 59.5 ± 6.8 mmHg (P = 0.005). The use of VA ECMO support was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the base deficit (-10.6 ± 4.2 and -6.3 ± 7.4, P = 0.038). The serum lactate declined from 5.9 ± 3.5 mmoL/L to 0.6 ± 4.4 mmoL/L by the use of VA ECMO; a statistically significant change (P = 0.005).CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that VA ECMO as mechanical support for patients with cardiogenic shock might improve mean arterial blood pressure, base deficit and lactate clearance.


2021 ◽  

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.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Ostadal ◽  
Mikulas Mlcek ◽  
Svitlana Strunina ◽  
Matej Hrachovina ◽  
Andreas Kruger ◽  
...  

Introduction: Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly used for the therapy of rapidly progressing or severe cardiogenic shock. However, it has been repeatedly shown that increased afterload associated with ECLS significantly deteriorates left ventricular (LV) performance. Recently, new ECG-synchronized pulsatile cardiac assist system was introduced that offers full circulatory support with increased diastolic and decreased systolic extracorporeal flow. The aim of the present study was to compare the parameters of LV function during standard continuous flow ECLS support and ECG-synchronized pulsatile flow ECLS in cardiogenic shock. Methods: Ten female swine (body weight 45 kg) underwent ECLS implantation under general anesthesia and artificial ventilation. Subsequently, acute cardiogenic shock with signs of tissue hypoperfusion was induced by global myocardial hypoxia. Hemodynamic and cardiac performance parameters were then measured at different levels of continuous or pulsatile ECLS flow (ranging from 1 L/min to 4 L/min) using arterial and venous catheters, a pulmonary artery catheter and a LV pressure-volume loop catheter. Results: Myocardial hypoxia resulted in a decline in mean (±SD) cardiac output to 2.3±1.2 L/min, systolic blood pressure to 61±7 mmHg and LV ejection fraction (EF) to 21±7%. Synchronized pulsatile flow was associated with significant reduction of LV end-systolic volume (ESV), increase in LV stroke volume (SV), and higher EF at all ECLS flow levels in comparison with continuous ECLS flow (Figure 1). At selected ECLS flow levels, pulsatile flow reduced also LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP), end-diastolic volume (EDV), and systolic pressure (SP) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Our results indicate that ECG-synchronized pulsatile ECLS flow preserves LV function in comparison with standard continuous-flow ECLS in cardiogenic shock.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carsten Tschöpe ◽  
Frank Spillmann ◽  
Evgenij Potapov ◽  
Alessandro Faragli ◽  
Konstantinos Rapis ◽  
...  

Objectives: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is often required to stabilize therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock patients. Left ventricular (LV) unloading by mechanical ventricular support (MVS) via percutaneous devices, such as with Impella® axial pumps, alone or in combination with extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMELLA approach), has emerged as a potential clinical breakthrough in the field. While the weaning from MCS is essentially based on the evaluation of circulatory stability of patients, weaning from MVS holds a higher complexity, being dependent on bi-ventricular function and its adaption to load. As a result of this, weaning from MVS is mostly performed in the absence of established algorithms. MVS via Impella is applied in several cardiogenic shock etiologies, such as acute myocardial infarction (support over days) or acute fulminant myocarditis (prolonged support over weeks, PROPELLA). The time point of weaning from Impella in these cohorts of patients remains unclear. We here propose a novel cardiovascular physiology-based weaning algorithm for MVS.Methods: The proposed algorithm is based on the experience gathered at our center undergoing an Impella weaning between 2017 and 2020. Before undertaking a weaning process, patients must had been ECMO-free, afebrile, and euvolemic, with hemodynamic stability guaranteed in the absence of any inotropic support. The algorithm consists of 4 steps according to the acronym TIDE: (i) Transthoracic echocardiography under full Impella-unloading; (ii) Impella rate reduction in single 8–24 h-steps according to patients hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, and ScVO2), including a daily echocardiographic assessment at minimal flow (P2); (iii) Dobutamine stress-echocardiography; (iv) Right heart catheterization at rest and during Exercise-testing via handgrip. We here present clinical and hemodynamic data (including LV conductance data) from paradigmatic weaning protocols of awake patients admitted to our intensive care unit with cardiogenic shock. We discuss the clinical consequences of the TIDE algorithm, leading to either a bridge-to-recovery, or to a bridge-to-permanent LV assist device (LVAD) and/or transplantation. With this protocol we were able to wean 74.2% of the investigated patients successfully. 25.8% showed a permanent weaning failure and became LVAD candidates.Conclusions: The proposed novel cardiovascular physiology-based weaning algorithm is based on the characterization of the extent and sustainment of LV unloading reached during hospitalization in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing MVS with Impella in our center. Prospective studies are needed to validate the algorithm.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Sadlonova ◽  
Birgit Gerecke ◽  
Aschraf El-Essawi ◽  
Lars-Olav Harnisch ◽  
Onnen Moerer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: A severe cardiogenic shock can present with clinical complications such as arrhythmias, ischemia and organ failure and even today is associated with a high mortality. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), Impella® and other mechanical circulatory support systems can reduce the acute circulatory failure. Case presentation: We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with an acute heart failure due to a coronary artery disease who underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting and intraoperative implantation of a VA-ECMO. Over the next 4 months, a multidisciplinary team-approach bridged the patient using first a left ventricular (LV) support system (Impella), then additionally a right ventricular (RV) Impella and finally a temporary paracorporeal continuous flow left ventricular support (Rotaflow). Following a promising neurological recovery, a long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted in a bride to transplant (BTT) concept. Conclusions: The addition of LV Impella and RV support by Impella (BiPELLA) on top of VA-ECMO may support survival of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. In complex biventricular heart failure, an expert center must be able to provide an early multi-modular intervention with elaborated mechanical circulatory support due to a multidisciplinary expertise.


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