Membrane Oxygenation (membrane + oxygenation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Membrane Oxygenation

  • extracorporeal membrane oxygenation


  • Selected Abstracts


    Prevention of Limb Ischemia and Edema During Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adults

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2009
    Claudio F. Russo M.D.
    The cannulation of the femoral vessels may be complicated by distal limb ischemia by arterial hypoperfusion and severe edema by venous obstruction. We describe a modified cannulation technique in order to prevent ischemia and edema of the inferior limb during VA-ECMO. [source]


    Case Report: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Nonintubated Patients as Bridge to Lung Transplantation

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2010
    K. M. Olsson
    We report on the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridging strategy to lung transplantation in awake and spontaneously breathing patients. All five patients described in this series presented with cardiopulmonary failure due to pulmonary hypertension with or without concomitant lung disease. ECMO insertion was performed under local anesthesia without sedation and resulted in immediate stabilization of hemodynamics and gas exchange as well as recovery from secondary organ dysfunction. Two patients later required endotracheal intubation because of bleeding complications and both of them eventually died. The other three patients remained awake on ECMO support for 18,35 days until the time of transplantation. These patients were able to breathe spontaneously, to eat and drink, and they received passive and active physiotherapy as well as psychological support. All of them made a full recovery after transplantation, which demonstrates the feasibility of using ECMO support in nonintubated patients with cardiopulmonary failure as a bridging strategy to lung transplantation. [source]


    Prognostic Factors for Adult Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Mechanical Circulatory Support,A 14-Year Experience at a Medical Center

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2010
    Chinchun Lan
    Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-consuming and highly invasive treatment. There were 1100 ECMO cases at the National Taiwan University Hospital between August 1994 and November 2008. Of these, 607 were adults (>18 years old) who received ECMO as mechanical circulatory support. In this study, patient characteristics and complications during the ECMO course were evaluated for their correlation with prognosis. The following factors were significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors: age, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, brain death, stroke during ECMO, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, acidosis, alkalosis, the need for a distal perfusion catheter, and the amount of red blood cells transfused. Six independent predictors of mortality were identified: age, stroke, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, and alkalosis. Our institution has comparatively extensive experience with adult patients, which may be quite different from other medical centers with respect to distribution of patient age. The findings should lead to better utilization of ECMO for adult patients in the future. [source]


    Hemocompatibility of a Miniaturized Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and a Pumpless Interventional Lung Assist in Experimental Lung Injury

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 1 2010
    Ruedger Kopp
    Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for most severe acute respiratory distress syndrome cases in specialized centers. Hemocompatibility of devices depends on the size and modification of blood contacting surfaces as well as blood flow rates. An interventional lung assist using arteriovenous perfusion of a low-resistance oxygenator without a blood pump (Novalung, Hechingen, Germany) or a miniaturized ECMO with reduced filling volume and a diagonal blood pump (Deltastream, Medos AG, Stolberg, Germany) could optimize hemocompatibility. The aim of the study was to compare hemocompatibility with conventional ECMO. Female pigs were connected to extracorporeal circulation for 24 h after lavage induced lung injury (eight per group). Activation of coagulation and immune system as well as blood cell damage was measured. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Plasmatic coagulation was slightly activated in all groups demonstrated by increased thrombin-anti-thrombin III-complex. No clinical signs of bleeding or thromboembolism occurred. Thrombelastography revealed decreased clotting capacities after miniaturized ECMO, probably due to significantly reduced platelet count. These resulted in reduced dosage of intravenous heparin. Scanning electron microscopy of oxygenator fibers showed significantly increased binding and shape change of platelets after interventional lung assist. In all groups, hemolysis remained negligible, indicated by low plasma hemoglobin concentration. Interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor-, concentration as well as leukocyte count remained unchanged. Both devices demonstrated adequate hemocompatibility for safe clinical application, although a missing blood pump did not increase hemocompatibility. Further studies seem necessary to analyze the influence of different blood pumps on platelet drop systematically. [source]


    Emergency Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Cardiopulmonary Failure

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 9 2009
    Matthias Arlt
    Abstract Severe pulmonary and cardiopulmonary failure resistant to critical care treatment leads to hypoxemia and hypoxia-dependent organ failure. New treatment options for cardiopulmonary failure are necessary even for patients in outlying medical facilities. If these patients are in need of specialized center treatment, additional emergency medical service has to be carried out quick and safely. We describe our experiences with a pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (PECLA/iLA) for out-of-center emergency treatment of hypercapnic respiratory failure and the use of a newly developed hand-held extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system in cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure (EMERGENCY-LIFE Support System, ELS System, MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG, Hechingen, Germany). Between March 2000 and April 2009, we used the PECLA System (n = 20) and the ELS System (n = 33) in adult patients. Cannulation was employed using percutaneous vessel access. The new hand-held ELS System consists of a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator, both mounted on a special holder system for storing on a standard patient gurney for air or ground ambulance transfer. Bedside cannulation processes were uneventful. The PECLA System resulted in sufficient CO2 removal. In all ECMO patients, oxygen delivery and systemic blood flow could be restored and vasopressor support was markedly down. Hospital survival rate in the PECLA group was 50%, and 61% in the ECMO group. Out-of-center emergency treatment of hypercapnic pulmonary failure with pumpless extracorporeal gas exchange and treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure with this new hand-held ECMO device is safe and highlyeffective. Patient outcome in cardiopulmonary organ failure could be improved. [source]


    Mechanical Bridge with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Ventricular Assist Device to Heart Transplantation

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2001
    Shoei-Shen Wang
    Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of double bridges with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) in clinical heart transplantation. Between May 1994 and October 2000, 134 patients underwent heart transplantation at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Ten patients received ECMO or VAD support as bridges to transplantation. The ages ranged from 3 to 63 years. The indications included cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2 and profound cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy in 8 patients. Usually ECMO was first set up as rescue therapy. If ECMO could not be weaned off after short-term (usually 1 week) support, suitable VADs (HeartMate or Thoratec VAD) were implanted for medium-term or long-term support. Five patients received ECMO support as emergency rescue for 2 to 9 days, and then moved to Thoratec VAD for 8, 49, and 55 days, respectively, or centrifugal VAD for 31 days, or HeartMate VAD for 224 days. They all survived. The survival rate of double bridges with ECMO and VAD was 100%. In postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, circulatory collapse from acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis, ECMO is the device of choice for short-term support. If heart transplantation is indicated, VADs should replace ECMO for their superiority as a bridge to heart transplantation. Our preliminary data of double bridges with ECMO and VAD revealed good results and were reliable and effective bridges to transplantation. [source]


    Late Presenters with Dextro-transposition of Great Arteries and Intact Ventricular Septum: To Train or Not to Train the Left Ventricle for Arterial Switch Operation?

    CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 6 2009
    Noor Mohamed Parker MBChB
    ABSTRACT Objective., We report our experience in managing late presenters (older than 4 weeks) with dextro-transposition of great arteries and intact ventricular septum (d-TGA/IVS) in an effort to achieve successful arterial switch operation (ASO) in a third world setting. Design., We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all late presenters with d-TGA/IVS. Patients were divided into two groups: left ventricular training (LVT) group and non-left ventricular training (non-LVT) group. LVT group underwent pulmonary artery banding and Blalock-Taussig Shunt prior to ASO. Results., Twenty-one late presenters were included in the study. In LVT group, 11 patients with median age of 6 months (range, 1,72 months) underwent LVT. Later, 8 patients with median age of 9.25 months (range, 1.33,84 months) underwent ASO. Prior to ASO, left ventricle (LV) collapse resolved in all and left ventricle to systemic pressure (LV/SP) ratio was 0.81 (range, 0.76,0.95) in 4 patients. Two patients who had LVT for ,14 days required postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support due to LV dysfunction. Seven patients survived to discharge. In non-LVT group, 10 patients with median age of 2.5 months (range, 1,98 months) underwent ASO. Five patients had LV collapse, and median LV/SP ratio was 0.67 (range, 0.56,1.19) in 5 patients. Seven patients needed ECMO support. Seven patients survived to discharge. Conclusion., Late presenters with d-TGA/IVS, who have LV collapse on echocardiography and/or a LV/SP ratio <0.67 on cardiac catheterization, should be subjected to LVT preferably for duration of longer than 14 days in order to avoid potential ECMO use. [source]


    Congenital Atresia of the Ostium of Left Main Coronary Artery: A Rare Coronary Anomaly, Diagnostic Difficulty and Successful Surgical Revascularization

    CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 5 2007
    Philip Varghese MRCS
    ABSTRACT We report the case of an 8-month-old infant who was referred for mechanical circulatory support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Aortogram was compatible with the diagnosis of anomalous origin of left coronary artery to pulmonary trunk. A definitive diagnosis of atresia of the left coronary ostium was only established intraoperatively. Patient underwent successful surgical angioplasty with an autologous pericardial patch. [source]


    Spontaneous delivery during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in swine influenza-related acute respiratory failure

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 9 2010
    J. Kunstyr
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Application of ECMO in Multitrauma Patients With ARDS as Rescue Therapy

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2007
    Navid Madershahian M.D.
    The final rescue therapy for patients with severe hypoxia refractory to conventional therapy modalities is the extracorporeal gas exchange. Methods: We report the management of three polytraumatized patients with life-threatening injuries, severe blunt thoracic trauma, and consecutive ARDS treating by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Two patients suffered a car accident with severe lung contusion and parenychmal bleeding. Bronchial rupture and mediastinal emphysema was found in one of them. Another patient developed ARDS after attempted suicide with multiple fractures together with blunt abdominal and thoracic trauma. Results: All patients were placed on ECMO and could be rapidly stabilized. They were weaned from ECMO after a mean of 114 ± 27 hours of support without complications, respectively. Mean duration of ICU stay was 37 ± 23 days. Conclusions: Quick encouragement of ECMO for the temporary management of gas exchange may increase survival rates in trauma patients with ARDS. [source]


    ECMO in ARDS: a long-term follow-up study regarding pulmonary morphology and function and health-related quality of life

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2009
    V. B. LINDÉN
    Background: A high survival rate can be achieved in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The technique and the costs are, however, debated and follow-up studies in survivors are few. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term pulmonary health after ECMO and severe ARDS. Methods: Twenty-one long-term survivors of severe ARDS and ECMO were studied in a follow-up program including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs, extensive pulmonary function tests, pulmonary scintigraphy and the pulmonary disease-specific St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: The majority of patients had residual lung parenchymal changes on HRCT suggestive of fibrosis, but the extension of morphologic abnormalities was limited and without the typical anterior localization presumed to indicate ventilator-associated lung injury. Pulmonary function tests revealed good restitution with mean values in the lower normal range, while T˝ for outwash of inhaled isotope was abnormal in all patients consistent with subclinical obstructivity. Most patients had reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), according to the SGRQ, but were stating less respiratory symptoms than conventionally treated ARDS patients in previous studies. The majority were integrated in normal work. Conclusion: The majority of ECMO-treated ARDS patients have good physical and social functioning. However, lung parenchymal changes on HRCT suggestive of fibrosis and minor pulmonary function abnormalities remain common and can be detected more than 1 year after ECMO. Furthermore, most patients experience a reduction in HRQoL due to the pulmonary sequelae. [source]


    When mild asthma requires extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a young child

    ALLERGY, Issue 10 2007
    S. Zanconato
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Use of recombinant factor VIIa for uncontrolled bleeding in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 4 2009
    NINA A. GUZZETTA MD
    Summary Background:, Increasingly, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used adjunctively in nonhemophiliacs to control hemorrhage unresponsive to conventional therapy in a variety of settings including postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Studies examining rFVIIa administration to neonates after CPB are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcomes of neonates treated at our institution with rFVIIa for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding. Methods:, We retrospectively identified eight neonates undergoing complex congenital cardiac surgery who received rFVIIa, either intraoperatively or postoperatively, for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding. Transfusion trends and prothrombin times (PT) were assessed both pre- and post-rFVIIa administration. Chest tube drainage volumes were recorded pre- and post-rFVIIa administration in those neonates receiving rFVIIa postoperatively in the intensive care unit. We documented such adverse events as thrombosis, dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and in-hospital mortality. Results:, The mean amount of transfused packed red blood cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. Transfusion of cryoprecipitate trended towards a decrease but did not reach statistical significance. PT values also decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. A high mortality was found in neonates exposed to both rFVIIa and ECMO; however, this was not significantly different from the mortality of neonates exposed to ECMO alone. Conclusions:, Administration of rFVIIa to neonates for the treatment of uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding significantly reduced transfusion requirements and normalized PT values. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the potential hemostatic benefit and adverse effects of rFVIIa administration to neonates following CPB. [source]


    Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy mechanical cardiovascular support in children with congenital heart disease

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 12 2008
    JOSHUA W. SALVIN MD MPH
    Summary Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to support postcardiotomy cardiorespiratory failure in children with congenital heart disease. We report on survival outcomes and factors associated with survival for postcardiotomy ECMO patients. [source]


    Intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survival of pediatric patients undergoing repair of congenital heart disease

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2008
    RANDALL P. FLICK MD
    Summary Background:, We studied the association between the introduction of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) into routine practice and the survival of children who failed weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We compare two periods, before formal introduction of ECMO in our institution (1993,1999, pre-ECMO era) and after ECMO became a formalized program (2000,2006, ECMO era). Methods:, Retrospective review of Mayo Clinic Database between 1993 and 2006 for outcomes of patients <18 years old who required ECMO during repair of congenital heart malformations. Results:, Thirty-five children during ECMO era received intraoperative ECMO, and 17 (54%) survived to hospital discharge. The frequency of ECMO use was the highest in neonates, therefore, this was the only subcohort of pediatric patients that allowed comparison of survival between the pre-ECMO and ECMO eras. When compared to pre-ECMO era, neonatal survival increased during ECMO era (P = 0.043). ECMO was mostly used in neonates with higher complexity of cardiac defects undergoing more complex repairs, and the overall improvement of survival was primarily due to better survival of these patients. During pre-ECMO era, survival was lower in patients with higher risk (P = 0.001). However, during ECMO era, no difference in survival was observed across assigned risk groups (P = 0.658). Conclusions:, The availability of ECMO for neonates failing to wean from CPB was associated with improved survival, especially in children undergoing repair of the most complex congenital heart malformations. After introduction of ECMO, survival improved and no longer depended upon the complexity of surgical repair. [source]


    Congenital tuberculosis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

    PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
    David L. Weisoly DO
    Abstract We describe a 6-week-old infant with congenital tuberculosis with cardiorespiratory failure. She was successfully treated with ECMO initiated after worsening hypoxemia despite mechanical ventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:470,473. © 2004 Wiely-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Nitric oxide inhalation therapy in very low-birthweight infants with hypoplastic lung due to oligohydramnios

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004
    Naoki Uga
    AbstractBackground: Although nitric oxide inhalation (iNO) therapy improves arterial oxygenation and reduces the rate of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in term neonates, the efficacy of this therapy in premature infants is controversial. The objective of the present study was to determine whether iNO therapy improves the survival of very low-birthweight infants with pulmonary hypoplasia due to prolonged rupture of membrane. Methods: A retrospective comparative study of very low-birthweight infants with pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios who had or had not been treated with iNO therapy, was performed (iNO-treated group, eight infants; control group, 10 infants). A neonate was considered to have pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios if the following conditions were satisfied: (i) artificial surfactant treatment did not improve the respiratory distress; (ii) prolonged rupture of membrane (PROM) continued for more than 5 days with oligohydramnios; and (iii) sufficient arterial oxygenation did not occur even after giving 100% oxygen, and more than 8 cm H2O of mean airway pressure was needed to maintain arterial oxygenation. Results: Nitric oxide inhalation improved arterial oxygenation rapidly and consistently in all eight infants with pulmonary hypoplasia. All eight iNO-treated infants survived longer than 28 days, while five of the 10 control infants died within 24 h of birth (P < 0.05). Before starting iNO, seven of the eight treated infants had shown persistent pulmonary hypertension, which was confirmed by echocardiography. No iNO-treated infant had IVH greater than grade 1, while one control infant had grade 2 IVH. All six long-term survivors in the iNO-treated group are developing normally, while only two of the control infants are developing normally as of February 2002. Conclusions: The majority of the infants with pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios had persistent pulmonary hypertension. iNO improved the arterial oxygenation and significantly improved the survival rate. A controlled study to determine whether iNO therapy improves the survival rate of preterm infants with pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios is necessary. [source]


    Case Report: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Nonintubated Patients as Bridge to Lung Transplantation

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2010
    K. M. Olsson
    We report on the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridging strategy to lung transplantation in awake and spontaneously breathing patients. All five patients described in this series presented with cardiopulmonary failure due to pulmonary hypertension with or without concomitant lung disease. ECMO insertion was performed under local anesthesia without sedation and resulted in immediate stabilization of hemodynamics and gas exchange as well as recovery from secondary organ dysfunction. Two patients later required endotracheal intubation because of bleeding complications and both of them eventually died. The other three patients remained awake on ECMO support for 18,35 days until the time of transplantation. These patients were able to breathe spontaneously, to eat and drink, and they received passive and active physiotherapy as well as psychological support. All of them made a full recovery after transplantation, which demonstrates the feasibility of using ECMO support in nonintubated patients with cardiopulmonary failure as a bridging strategy to lung transplantation. [source]


    Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure: past, present and future

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2010
    D. W. Noble
    First page of article [source]


    Prognostic Factors for Adult Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Mechanical Circulatory Support,A 14-Year Experience at a Medical Center

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2010
    Chinchun Lan
    Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-consuming and highly invasive treatment. There were 1100 ECMO cases at the National Taiwan University Hospital between August 1994 and November 2008. Of these, 607 were adults (>18 years old) who received ECMO as mechanical circulatory support. In this study, patient characteristics and complications during the ECMO course were evaluated for their correlation with prognosis. The following factors were significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors: age, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, brain death, stroke during ECMO, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, acidosis, alkalosis, the need for a distal perfusion catheter, and the amount of red blood cells transfused. Six independent predictors of mortality were identified: age, stroke, the need for dialysis during ECMO, pre-ECMO infection, hypoglycemia, and alkalosis. Our institution has comparatively extensive experience with adult patients, which may be quite different from other medical centers with respect to distribution of patient age. The findings should lead to better utilization of ECMO for adult patients in the future. [source]


    Hemocompatibility of a Miniaturized Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and a Pumpless Interventional Lung Assist in Experimental Lung Injury

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 1 2010
    Ruedger Kopp
    Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for most severe acute respiratory distress syndrome cases in specialized centers. Hemocompatibility of devices depends on the size and modification of blood contacting surfaces as well as blood flow rates. An interventional lung assist using arteriovenous perfusion of a low-resistance oxygenator without a blood pump (Novalung, Hechingen, Germany) or a miniaturized ECMO with reduced filling volume and a diagonal blood pump (Deltastream, Medos AG, Stolberg, Germany) could optimize hemocompatibility. The aim of the study was to compare hemocompatibility with conventional ECMO. Female pigs were connected to extracorporeal circulation for 24 h after lavage induced lung injury (eight per group). Activation of coagulation and immune system as well as blood cell damage was measured. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Plasmatic coagulation was slightly activated in all groups demonstrated by increased thrombin-anti-thrombin III-complex. No clinical signs of bleeding or thromboembolism occurred. Thrombelastography revealed decreased clotting capacities after miniaturized ECMO, probably due to significantly reduced platelet count. These resulted in reduced dosage of intravenous heparin. Scanning electron microscopy of oxygenator fibers showed significantly increased binding and shape change of platelets after interventional lung assist. In all groups, hemolysis remained negligible, indicated by low plasma hemoglobin concentration. Interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor-, concentration as well as leukocyte count remained unchanged. Both devices demonstrated adequate hemocompatibility for safe clinical application, although a missing blood pump did not increase hemocompatibility. Further studies seem necessary to analyze the influence of different blood pumps on platelet drop systematically. [source]


    Experience With the Levitronix CentriMag in the Pediatric Population as a Bridge to Decision and Recovery

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009
    Peter C. Kouretas
    Abstract Short-term mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population with acute cardiac failure has traditionally been limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation given the limited availability of pediatric-sized pumps. The Levitronix CentriMag system (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) offers expanded options for short-term support for this population. We report our experience with the successful use of the CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision after postcardiotomy ventricular failure and as a bridge to recovery after heart transplantation. The first patient was bridged to a long-term HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation) as a bridge to potential recovery. The second patient was supported after severe graft failure post heart transplantation, with a full recovery. The Levitronix CentriMag has proven to be a versatile, safe, and effective short-term circulatory support system for our pediatric patients. [source]


    Left Ventricular Assist for Pediatric Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Using the Medos Vad Cannula and a Centrifugal Pump

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009
    Shu-Chien Huang
    Abstract Ventricular assist devices for small pediatric patients are expensive and commercially unavailable in Taiwan. We used the Medos ventricular assist device cannula (Medos, Aachen, Germany) and a centrifugal pump to support pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and decompensated heart failure. From January 2007 to December 2008, three pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were supported using a centrifugal pump as the left ventricular assist device. The Medos arterial cannula was sutured to the ascending aorta, and the Apex cannula was fixed into the left ventricular apex. When the patient was weaned off of cardiopulmonary bypass, the left ventricular assist device pump was started. The pump flow was gradually titrated according to the filling status of the left ventricle. All the left ventricular assist devices were successfully implanted and functioned well. Two patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had severe lung edema before left ventricular assist device implantation. Both patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the postoperative period until the pulmonary edema was resolved. Among the three patients, two successfully bridged to heart transplantation after support for 6 and 11 days, respectively. The first patient (10 kg) expired due to systemic emboli 30 days after left ventricular assist device support. In summary, these results suggest that the Medos ventricular assist device cannula and a centrifugal pump is an option for temporary left ventricular assist device support in patients with intractable heart failure and as a bridge to heart transplantation. [source]


    Emergency Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Cardiopulmonary Failure

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 9 2009
    Matthias Arlt
    Abstract Severe pulmonary and cardiopulmonary failure resistant to critical care treatment leads to hypoxemia and hypoxia-dependent organ failure. New treatment options for cardiopulmonary failure are necessary even for patients in outlying medical facilities. If these patients are in need of specialized center treatment, additional emergency medical service has to be carried out quick and safely. We describe our experiences with a pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (PECLA/iLA) for out-of-center emergency treatment of hypercapnic respiratory failure and the use of a newly developed hand-held extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system in cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure (EMERGENCY-LIFE Support System, ELS System, MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG, Hechingen, Germany). Between March 2000 and April 2009, we used the PECLA System (n = 20) and the ELS System (n = 33) in adult patients. Cannulation was employed using percutaneous vessel access. The new hand-held ELS System consists of a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator, both mounted on a special holder system for storing on a standard patient gurney for air or ground ambulance transfer. Bedside cannulation processes were uneventful. The PECLA System resulted in sufficient CO2 removal. In all ECMO patients, oxygen delivery and systemic blood flow could be restored and vasopressor support was markedly down. Hospital survival rate in the PECLA group was 50%, and 61% in the ECMO group. Out-of-center emergency treatment of hypercapnic pulmonary failure with pumpless extracorporeal gas exchange and treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, and cardiopulmonary failure with this new hand-held ECMO device is safe and highlyeffective. Patient outcome in cardiopulmonary organ failure could be improved. [source]


    Mechanical Bridge with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Ventricular Assist Device to Heart Transplantation

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2001
    Shoei-Shen Wang
    Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of double bridges with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) in clinical heart transplantation. Between May 1994 and October 2000, 134 patients underwent heart transplantation at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Ten patients received ECMO or VAD support as bridges to transplantation. The ages ranged from 3 to 63 years. The indications included cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2 and profound cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy in 8 patients. Usually ECMO was first set up as rescue therapy. If ECMO could not be weaned off after short-term (usually 1 week) support, suitable VADs (HeartMate or Thoratec VAD) were implanted for medium-term or long-term support. Five patients received ECMO support as emergency rescue for 2 to 9 days, and then moved to Thoratec VAD for 8, 49, and 55 days, respectively, or centrifugal VAD for 31 days, or HeartMate VAD for 224 days. They all survived. The survival rate of double bridges with ECMO and VAD was 100%. In postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, circulatory collapse from acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis, ECMO is the device of choice for short-term support. If heart transplantation is indicated, VADs should replace ECMO for their superiority as a bridge to heart transplantation. Our preliminary data of double bridges with ECMO and VAD revealed good results and were reliable and effective bridges to transplantation. [source]


    Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue therapy for leukaemic children with pulmonary failure

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
    Bernhard Meister
    Summary In patients with leukaemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intensified chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression is a devastating disorder resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Compared to standard indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cytopenia further increases the risks of infection and bleeding. We describe the use of ECMO in four children with ARDS and leukaemia. Two patients (50%) survived, pulmonary function recovered and they are in prolonged first remission. The two other patients died from ARDS and pulmonary leukaemic infiltration. Although ECMO support is a high-risk setup for nosocomial infection we observed no additional septic episodes. All patients had a highly increased demand for packed platelet and red blood cell transfusions. This increased demand and unmanageable chronic bleeding into both lungs in one patient were probably caused by a combination of coagulopathy from the primary illness, the use of anticoagulants, chemotherapy-induced cytopenia, and a reduced survival rate of platelets and red cells due to permanent contact to foreign surface. We concluded that ECMO is a supportive tool to reduce the incidence of early death, treatment-related mortality and, ultimately, to improve overall survival in childhood leukaemia. [source]


    Use of inhaled nitric oxide in the new born period: results from the European inhaled nitric oxide registry

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2010
    Chris Dewhurst
    Abstract Aims:, The aim of this study was to present data relating to the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in newborn infants included in the European Inhaled Nitric Oxide Registry. Methods:, Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data from seven European centres are reported. Univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with acute response to iNO and survival without extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Results:, A total of 112 newborn infants received iNO, with 40% being less than 34 weeks gestational age. The commonest indication for iNO was secondary pulmonary hypertension. Acute response to iNO was more common in infants with a higher oxygenation index (median OI 32.7 vs 22.6, p = 0.040), although acute response did not predict survival without ECMO. Infants who survived without ECMO had a lower OI prior to therapy (median OI 24 vs 43, p = 0.009), were commenced on a higher starting dose (median dose 20 ppm vs 10 ppm p = 0.013) and received a lower maintenance dose (median dose 10 vs 17 ppm, p = 0.027) than those who died or received ECMO. Conclusion:, Collating and reporting data about iNO therapy in neonates across a number of European centres using a web-based system is feasible. These data may be used to monitor the clinical use of iNO, identify adverse effects, generate research hypotheses and promote high standards in the clinical use of iNO. [source]


    Diagnosis of perinatal stroke II: mechanisms and clinical phenotypes

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 11 2009
    P Govaert
    Abstract Introduction:, Here (and in an accompanying article dealing with definitions, differential diagnosis and registration), a structured sequential diagnostic flow is proposed to discern clinical phenotypes for perinatal stroke, including arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS), cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and haemorrhagic stroke. Material and results:, For neonatal AIS, the diagnostic sequence is infection, trauma, embolism, arteriopathy, other, primary thrombosis and unclassifiable; for neonatal CSVT, the sequence is infection, trauma, venopathy, other, primary thrombosis and unclassifiable. The proposed hierarchical diagnostic flows are an initial step towards a standard for registration of the causes of neonatal stroke. Such standardization should guide attempts at prevention and intervention. An extensive literature search and study of a retrospective cohort of 134 newborn infants with stroke suggest that embolism is the most common identifiable cause for stroke in general (25%), preceding trauma (10%) and infection (8%). Other causes, such as asphyxia, acute blood loss, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, genetic disorders or prothrombotic conditions, are seen in <5% of cases. For neonatal AIS, the presence of an embolic phenotype is 33% in this cohort. The designation unclassifiable scored 34% for the entire stroke group and 25% for neonatal AIS. Complex arterial stroke with multiple arteries involved is often seen when the underlying cause is infection, cranial trauma or embolism. One important conclusion is that a means of prevention is avoidance of embolism from thrombosis outside the brain. Conclusion:, To prevent the occurrence and recurrence of neonatal ischaemic stroke, clinicians must develop a standardized diagnostic approach that results in characterization of the clinical phenotype. [source]


    Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and pulmonary hypertension in a neonate.

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2009
    A common mechanism?
    Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of biological functions. Absence or shortage of NO plays a role in the pathogenesis of both hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and persistent pulmonary hypertension. We present a neonate diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension after birth caused by meconiumaspiration syndrome eventually treated with extracorporal membrane oxygenation followed by hypertrophic pyloric stenosis for which a pyloromyotomy was performed. In conclusion, the association of pulmonary hypertension and pyloric stenosis has not been described before and may be explained by a lowered plasma concentration of arginine leading to deficient NO synthesis in the affected organ systems. [source]


    The outcome in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a Norwegian region

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2009
    S Fredly
    Abstract Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic strategies used in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) during the last 15 years in our department. Method: A retrospective study of 27 neonates with CDH treated at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ullevaal University Hospital between 1992 and 2006. Since 1992 we have used delayed operative repair and high-frequency ventilation (HFV). Because surfactant replacement and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy have been used since 1997, we divided the patients into two groups; group 1 from 1992 to 1996 (9 patients) and group 2 from 1997 to 2006 (18 patients). Results: The overall survival was 70%. Group 1 had an exceptionally good outcome, 100% survival versus 56% in the last group. Conclusion: Pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension are still the most challenging factors in treatment of neonates with CDH, despite novel therapeutic modalities, such as HFV, surfactant and iNO. Delayed surgery in CDH allows pre-operative stabilization. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation must be considered in the most severe cases. [source]