ASAIO journal : a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
-
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with the risk of early postoperative right heart dysfunction, which may require urgent institution of mechanical right ventricular support. This is conventionally achieved by cannulation of the femoral vein or right atrial appendage for the inflow and the pulmonary artery for the outflow. However, this requires resternotomy with increased risk of wound and device infection, as well as excessive bleeding. We describe the use of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a short-term treatment of right heart failure after HeartWare LVAD implantation.
-
Peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) for acute cardiac failure reestablishes normal oxygen delivery and perfusion. However, VA ECMO can be limited by insufficient ventricular unloading, resulting in thrombus formation and pulmonary edema. Impella 2.5 has been used to unload the left ventricle and provide hemodynamic support during acute heart failure. ⋯ Five patients on VA ECMO with ventricular distension underwent Impella 2.5 implantation, resulting in a decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter as measured by echocardiography (7.8 ± 1.4 vs. 6.2 ± 0.8 cm, p = 0.001). Four patients were subsequently transitioned to the HeartMate II LVAD after restoration of end-organ function. Impella 2.5 is a safe means to unload the left ventricle while on peripheral VA ECMO to prevent left ventricle thrombus formation and worsening pulmonary edema in patients transitioning to a HeartMate II LVAD.
-
We describe our novel technique of Pump Controlled Retrograde Trial Off that relies on the retrograde flow to maintain circuit integrity and allow a longer trial off from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support without circuit clot formation or significant patient hemodynamic compromise. This technique avoids the insertion of an arteriovenous bridge and the need to clamp the circuit. We present data on five neonatal patients who were trialled off using this method.