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Objectives Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients after cardiac surgery and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) is known to be associated with high mortality. Especially in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and PCS, ECLS is frequently established. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients treated with ECLS due to PCS after CABG. Methods Between August 2006 and January 2017, 92 consecutive patients with V-A ECLS due to PCS after isolated CABG were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS) and analyzed with risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Results In-hospital mortality added up to 61 patients (66%). Non-survivors were significantly older (60 +/- 812 (S) vs. 67 +/- 10 (NS); p = 0.013). Bilateral internal mammary artery graft was significantly more frequently used in S (23% (S) vs. 2% (NS); p = 0.001). After 24 h of ECLS support, median lactate levels were significantly higher in NS (1.9 (1.3; 3.5) mmol/L (S) vs. 3.5 (2.1; 6.3) mmol/L (NS); p = 0.001). NS suffered more often acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (42% (S) vs. 74% (NS); p = 0.002). Conclusion Mortality in patients with refractory PCS after CABG and consecutive ECLS support remains high. Failing end-organ recovery under ECLS despite optimized concomitant medical therapy is an indicator of adverse outcomes in this specific patient cohort. Moreover, total-arterial revascularization might be beneficial for cardiac recovery in patients suffering PCS after CABG and following ECLS.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months after delivery without previously known structural heart disease. Development of therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock is described in the literature with a limited number of overall presented cases in this young patient cohort. To provide differences and key points in the therapy of end-stage PPCM patients, we present a case series of four young women with PPCM referred to our department for potential VA ECMO support.

Objectives Central or peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) is widely used in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Available data suggest controversial results for both types. Our aim was to investigate PCS patients treated with either peripheral (pECMO) or central ECMO (cECMO) concerning their outcome. Methods Between April 2006 and October 2016, 156 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into cECMO and pECMO groups. Statistical analysis of risk factors concerning 30-day mortality of the mentioned patient cohort was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results Fifty-six patients received cECMO and 100 patients were treated with pECMO due to PCS. In the group of cECMO peripheral vascular disease was significantly more present (cECMO 19 [34%] vs pECMO 14 [14%]; P < .01). On-site ECMO complications occurred significantly more frequent in patients treated with cECMO (cECMO 44 [79%] vs pECMO 54 [54%] g/dL; P < 0.01). More often cECMO patients required a second look operation due to mediastinal bleeding (cECMO 52 [93%] vs pECMO 61 [61%] g/dL; P < .01). Thirty-day mortality was comparable with nearly 70% in both cohorts (cECMO 39 [70%] vs pECMO 69 [69%]; P = .93). Conclusion Patients supported by cECMO or pECMO due to refractory PCS did not show significant differences in 30-day mortality, despite a lower incidence of on-site ECMO complications and re-exploration in pECMO patients. PCS itself is associated with high mortality and peripheral cannulation might help to save resources compared with central cannulation.

Objectives Right ventricular (RV) failure is associated with poor outcome and increased mortality in cardiac surgery. Aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of veno arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) therapy in patients with isolated RV failure in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) and to evaluate risk factors associated with 30-day-mortality. Methods Between August 2006 until August 2016, 64 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to fulminant RV failure in PCS were identified and included in this retrospective observation. Further, outcome data and a comparison of va ECMO survivors and nonsurvivors was conducted. Results The mean age of the patient cohort was 63 +/- 14 years. Patients were treated with va ECMO for 79 +/- 61 hours. Twenty-eight patients (44%) were successfully weaned off ECMO support. Overall 30-day-mortality was 88% (56/64). Hemoglobin concentration before ECMO implantation, maximum rise of muscle-brain type creatine kinase during ECMO therapy, as well as lactic acid concentration 24 hours after initiation of va ECMO therapy were predictive for 30-day mortality. Conclusion ECMO therapy in RV failure due to PCS is shown to be associated with an excessive mortality. Regarding our data, va ECMO might only be an appropriate short-term mechanical assist device separating patients form cardiopulmonary bypass with an acceptable weaning rate. Particularly, in case of failed hemodynamic recovery of the right heart on va ECMO, direct RV bypass systems might function as a bailout option. Additionally, cardiac enzymes and lactic acid might provide valuable information in meeting therapy-related decisions.

The aim of this study was to provide early and mid-term results of the newly established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval service in a tertiary cardiothoracic center using the miniaturized portable Cardiohelp System (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). A particular attention was paid to organizational and logistic specifics as well as challenges and pitfalls associated with initial phase of the program. From January 2015 until January 2017 a heterogenic group of 28 consecutive patients underwent ECMO implantation in distant hospitals for acute cardiac, pulmonary or combined failure as a bridge-to-decision and were subsequently transported to our institution. Each cannulation was performed bedside on intensive care units (ICU) using the Seldinger's technique. Early outcomes and mid-term overall survival with up to two-year follow-up along with the impact of ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcome were presented. Also, changes in hemodynamics and tissue perfusion factors 24 h after ECMO implantation were evaluated. ECMO implantations were performed in 15 distant departments with the median distance of 23(10;40) (maximum 60) km. A total of 15 patients (54%) were cannulated under CPR with the median duration of 30(20;110) (maximum 180) min. After 24 h of support there were significant improvements in SvO(2) (P=0.021), mean arterial pressure (P=0.027), FiO(2) (P=0.001), lactate (P=0.001), and pH (P<0.001). The mean ECMO support duration was 96 +/- 100 (maximum 384) hours, whereas 11 patients (40%) were weaned off support and discharged from hospital. Overall cumulative survival in patients without the need for CPR was 61.5% at one week and 38.5% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year, whereas patients requiring CPR survived in 40% at one week, and 33.3% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year (Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) P=0.374, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) P=0.162). Our initial experience shows that launching new ECMO retrieval programs in centers with sufficien

AIMS: Prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support for high-risk patients before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial. This meta-analysis sought to determine the current role of preoperative IABP support. METHODS: Weperformed a meta-analysis of randomized (RCT) and observational trials (OT) that fulfilled the following criteria: (1) Group comparison of patients with prophylactic IABP implantation before CABG with a control group; (2) reporting at least one desired clinical endpoint, including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and renal failure. Pooled treatment effects (odds ratio [OR] or weighted mean difference, and 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]) were assessed using a fixed or random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 9,212 patients from 23 studies (7 RCT, 16 OT) were identified after a literature search of major databases using a predefined keyword list. Absolute risk reduction for mortality in RCTs was 4.4% (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25-0.73; p = 0.0025). Prophylactic IABP use before CABG surgery also decreased the risk for myocardial infarction (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43-0.78; p = 0.004), CVA (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47-0.97; p = 0.042), and renal failure (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.47-0.83; p = 0.0014). Length of intensive care unit stay (p < 0.0001) and length of hospital stay (p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced in patients with preoperative IABP use. CONCLUSION: Current evidence from RCT and OT suggests beneficial effects for the IABP in high-risk patients before CABG surgery.

Background Patients referred to cardiac surgery for cardiovascular disease are at significant risk for the development of major postoperative adverse events despite significant advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care. Statins (5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors) have gained a pivotal role in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease and are thought to improve perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This review is an updated version of a review that was first published in 2012. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of preoperative statin therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1950 to November 2013 Week 3), EMBASE (1980 to 3 December 2013 (Week 48)) and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. Additionally, we searched ongoing trials through the National Research Register, the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and grey literature. We screened online conference indices from relevant scientific meetings (2006 to 2014) to look for eligible trials. We applied no language restrictions. Selection criteria All randomised controlled trials comparing any statin treatment before cardiac surgery, for any given duration and dose, versus no preoperative statin therapy (standard of care) or placebo. Data collection and analysis Two review authors evaluated trial quality and extracted data from titles and abstracts identified by electronic database searches according to predefined criteria. Accordingly, we retrieved full-text articles of potentially relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria to assess definitive eligibility for inclusion. We reported effect measures as odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Main results We identified 17 randomised controlled studies including a total of 2138 participants underg

Background: We determined our 30-day results after transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) according to Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria, analyzed midterm outcome, and summarize our institutional learning experience. Methods: From February 2008 to July 2011, 150 high-risk patients underwent TA-AVI. Endpoints of this retrospective analysis were safety as indicated by morbidity and 30-day mortality and midterm survival with a follow-up period up to 3.4 years (mean follow-up 14.1 months). In addition we analyzed our institutional learning curve by comparing the outcome of our first 50 patients (group 1) to the following 100 patients (group 2). Results: Procedural success was 98% (147 patients). All-cause and cardiovascular cause 30-day mortality was 11.3% (n = 17) and 7.3% (n = 11), respectively. The cumulative survival rates were 78.7% at one year, 62.8% at two years, and 50.8% at three years. As compared to group 1, there was a significantly reduced incidence of relevant bleeding complications (0% vs. 14%[n = 7]; p < 0.001) and a reduced incidence of acute kidney injury (35%[n = 35] versus 56% (n = 28); p < 0.05) in group 2, resulting in a combined safety endpoint at 30 days of 22% in group 2 versus 40% in group 1 (p < 0.05). One-year mortality (group 2, n = 20 [20%] versus group 1, n = 10 [20%]; p = 1) and midterm survival (p = 0.998; Hazard ratio 1.001; 95% CI 0.5141 to 1.949) did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Although the incidence of technical complications decreased significantly over time, 30-day and midterm mortality were unaltered, most likely due to patients' comorbidities. The development of more accurate risk scores may improve future outcome. (J Card Surg 2012;27:653-661)

Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a rapidly growing treatment strategy due to increasing survival rates in selected patients. Additional left ventricular mechanical unloading, using a transfemoral micro-axial blood pump (Impella (R) Denver, Massachusetts, USA), might improve patients' outcomes. In this regard, we sought to investigate patients who suffered OHCA (out-of hospital cardiac arrest) or IHCA (in-hospital cardiac arrest) with subsequent eCPR via VA-ECMO (veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and concomitant Impella (R) implantation based on survival and feasibility of ECMO weaning. Methods From January 2016 until December 2020, 108 patients underwent eCPR at our institution. Data prior to eCPR and early outcome parameters were analyzed comparing patients who were supported with an additional Impella (R) (2.5 or CP) (ECMO+Impella (R), n = 18) and patients without additional (ECMO, n = 90) support during V-A ECMO therapy. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality; secondary endpoints were, among others: ECMO explantation, need for hemodialysis, stroke, and need for blood transfusions. Results Low-flow time was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella group (60 min vs. 55 min, p = .01). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella (R) group (82% vs. 56%, p = .01). The time of circulatory support was shorter in the ECMO cohort (2.0 +/- 1.73 vs. 4.76 +/- 2.88 p = .05). ECMO decannulation was significantly more feasible in patients with ECMO+Impella (R) (72% vs. 32%, p = .01). Patients treated with additional Impella (R) showed significantly more acute kidney injury with the need for dialysis (72% vs. 18%, p <= .01). Conclusion Concomitant Impella (R) support might positively influence survival and ECMO weaning in eCPR patients. Treatment-associated complications such as the need for dialysis were more common in this highly selected patient group. Further studies with larger numbers are necessary

Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a rapidly growing treatment strategy due to increasing survival rates in selected patients. Additional left ventricular mechanical unloading, using a transfemoral micro-axial blood pump (Impella (R) Denver, Massachusetts, USA), might improve patients' outcomes. In this regard, we sought to investigate patients who suffered OHCA (out-of hospital cardiac arrest) or IHCA (in-hospital cardiac arrest) with subsequent eCPR via VA-ECMO (veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and concomitant Impella (R) implantation based on survival and feasibility of ECMO weaning. Methods From January 2016 until December 2020, 108 patients underwent eCPR at our institution. Data prior to eCPR and early outcome parameters were analyzed comparing patients who were supported with an additional Impella (R) (2.5 or CP) (ECMO+Impella (R), n = 18) and patients without additional (ECMO, n = 90) support during V-A ECMO therapy. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality; secondary endpoints were, among others: ECMO explantation, need for hemodialysis, stroke, and need for blood transfusions. Results Low-flow time was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella group (60 min vs. 55 min, p = .01). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella (R) group (82% vs. 56%, p = .01). The time of circulatory support was shorter in the ECMO cohort (2.0 +/- 1.73 vs. 4.76 +/- 2.88 p = .05). ECMO decannulation was significantly more feasible in patients with ECMO+Impella (R) (72% vs. 32%, p = .01). Patients treated with additional Impella (R) showed significantly more acute kidney injury with the need for dialysis (72% vs. 18%, p <= .01). Conclusion Concomitant Impella (R) support might positively influence survival and ECMO weaning in eCPR patients. Treatment-associated complications such as the need for dialysis were more common in this highly selected patient group. Further studies with larger numbers are necessary