Journal of cardiac surgery
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Approximately 1% of patients require temporary circulatory support due to refractory cardiogenic shock following cardiac surgery. Such patients are at very high risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the results of temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. ⋯ ECMO is a suitable technique for short-term treatment of refractory postoperative low cardiac output. Mortality rates are comparable to other cardiac assist devices, with approximately 30% of patients able to be discharged from hospital.