Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation

Abstract OBJECTIVES Right ventricular (RV) failure complicating left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with increased mortality. Despite a lack of supporting evidence, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is increasingly being used as an alternative to traditional temporary RV support. We report our institutional experience with ECMO-facilitated RV support after left ventricular assist device implantation. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the concept of temporary ECMO support for perioperative RV failure in 32 consecutive left ventricular assist device (mean age 52 ± 14 years; male 84.4%; ischaemic cardiomyopathy 40.6%; INTERMACS Level I 71.8%; INTERMACS Level II 6.3%; INTERMACS Level III 12.5%; INTERMACS Level IV–VII 9.4%; HeartWare ventricular assist device 75%; HeartMate II: 25%) from May 2009 to April 2014. The study end points were RV recovery during ECMO support, mortality and causes of death. RESULTS Twenty-nine (90.6%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO support after RV recovery. Three (9.4%) patients expired during ECMO support. ECMO support improved RV function and haemodynamic parameters (central venous pressure 13 mmHg vs 10 mmHg, P