Artificial organs
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Comparative Study
Out-of-center extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult cardiogenic shock patients.
Patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional management require advanced mechanical circulatory support such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In hospitals lacking ECMO facilities, interhospital transportation is necessary for further patient management. Thirty-one adult cardiac patients, who were transported to our hospital by our ECMO transport team between January 1998 and July 2004, were enrolled in this study. ⋯ Delayed transfer (>2 days) and high organ dysfunction score were associated with poor outcomes. The survival rate was similar to that of our in-hospital group (survival rate: 32.8%, n = 64). In conclusion, adult cardiogenic shock patients requiring interhospital ECMO transport had a reasonable chance of survival.