Microcirculation Evolution in Patients on VA-ECMO for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

journals.lww.com January 9, 2020

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Microcirculation is severely impaired in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

Inability to rapidly restore microcirculation during the first 24 hours, despite normal global/macrocirculatory hemodynamics, was associated with death on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Further studies are now warranted to better determine the relevant microcirculation determinants during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, before future routine use of this promising tool in clinical practice.

14 patients were included in the study. Acute myocardial infarction (50%) was the main cause of cardiogenic shock. 6 were successfully weaned-off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.