The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Apr 2019
Comparative StudyA comparison of low and standard anti-coagulation regimens in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Bleeding and need for blood products are major complications associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use. This study evaluated bleeding complications with low and standard heparinization protocols in the maintenance of venoarterial (VA)-ECMO. ⋯ Maintenance with low heparin is safe in patients supported by VA-ECMO. This strategy may reduce risk of severe bleeding and associated complications.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Apr 2019
Comparative StudyThird Annual Report From the ISHLT Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support Registry: A comparison of centrifugal and axial continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.
The IMACS Registry compiles and analyzes worldwide data from patients undergoing implantation of durable left ventricular assist devices. ⋯ We demonstrate a transition from axial to centrifugal flow with four-year survival that approximates 60%. A high frequency of adverse events remains an impediment to the wider adoption of these technologies. In the future, composite study endpoints examining life quality and adverse events beyond survival may help in shared decision making prior to MCS implant, and may provide the requisite data to support extension of MCS therapy into the lesser ill heart failure population.