Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used as a life support system in patients with either cardiac or respiratory failure. The aim of our study was to evaluate our experience with ECMO used for cardiac support in patients with postcardiotomy syndrome (cardiogenic shock) at our center.
Methods: Fifty patients treated with ECMO with cardiac failure either in the intensive care unit or operative room due to failure to wean from cardiopulmonary by-pass were retrospectively inspected. Demographic data, ECMO protocols, and clinical follow-up data were collected and reviewed.
Results: All patients received venoarterial (VA) ECMO because of cardiogenic shock. The mean duration of ECMO was 3.7±3.4 days. The survival rate for ECMO and the survival rate to discharge were 72%. The overall cardiogenic shock mortality rate for ECMO was 28%.
Conclusion: ECMO use in patients with cardiogenic shock (postcardiotomy syndrome) is associated with high mortality. According to our data, VA ECMO may be a beneficial mechanical assist device in short‐term for patients with cardiogenic shock with an acceptable weaning rate. The success rate of ECMO may depend on the time of initiation and duration of use.