EVOLUTION OF EXTRA CORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION (ECMO) FOR CRITICALLY ILL CARDIAC PATIENTS AT AFIC; EASIER SAID THAN DONE

Abstract

Objective: To study the evolution and outcome of ECMO at tertiary care cardiac centre (AFIC).

Study Design: Retrospective Case Series.

Place and Duration of Study: Two years study at Armed Forces institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi

Methodology: Data of 2 years from January 2017 to December 2018 of patients who underwent ECMO procedure was obtained and studied for evolution and outcome of procedure at our institute.

Results: There were 8 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The age range of all patients was 35-68 years (Median 55 years). All of our patients were males. Out of all patients, seven patients had undergone open chest procedure. Overall, 1 patient had received VVECMO, 1 had received central ECMO and 6 had received peripheral ECMO. The mean duration of advanced mechanical circulatory support (AMCS) was approximately 5.4 days (range <1-12 days). Most common cause of death (COD) was also multi organ dysfunction (MOD). These findings however are limited due to the small number of subjects. The most common procedure related complication was multi organ dysfunction (MOD).

Conclusion: ECMO is a form of temporary support, rather than a treatment. Moreover, duration of ECMO support is variable depending upon patients.