Efficacy of new pediatric extra-corporeal life support system (Endumo 2000) for postoperative management after Norwood operation

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new pediatric extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) system (Endumo 2000, Heiwa Bussan, Tokyo, Japan) for postoperative management after the Norwood operation. Thirty-three consecutive patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or its variant undergoing the Norwood operation between August 2007 and December 2013 were divided into two groups according to available ECLS devices. Before November 2009, pediatric Emersave (TERUMO, Saitama, Japan) was employed as the ECLS device, and 14 patients were operated on during this period (Emersave era: 7 boys; 2.9 kg). After December 2009, Endumo 2000 was employed and 19 patients were operated on (Endumo era: 8 boys, 3.1 kg). The demographic characteristics of both groups showed no significant differences. ECLS was initiated in 7 of 14 patients (50 %) during the Emersave era and 7 of 19 patients (37 %) during the Endumo era ( p = 0.45). Chest reentry for hemostasis during ECLS support was more frequently needed in patients supported by Emersave (5/7) than Endumo (1/7) ( p = 0.03). The first ECLS circuit durability of Endumo was significantly longer than that of Emersave ( p = 0.01). The survival at discharge rate in patients required ECLS was 0 % (0/7) when supported by Emersave, but 57 % (4/7) by Endumo ( p = 0.02). As a result, the survival at discharge rate was 43 % (6/14) in the Emersave era and 79 % (14/19) in the Endumo era ( p = 0.03). Longer durability and superior antithrombogenicity of the Endumo 2000 contributed to the improvement of surgical outcomes after the Norwood operation.