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Introduction: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) improves end-organ perfusion in cardiogenic shock but may increase afterload, which can limit cardiac recovery. Left ventricular (LV) unloading strategies may aid cardiac recovery and prevent complications of increased afterload. However, there is no consensus on when and which unloading strategy should be used. Methods: An online survey was distributed worldwide via the EuroELSO newsletter mailing list to describe contemporary international practice and evaluate heterogeneity in strategies for LV unloading. Results: Of 192 respondents from 43 countries, 53% routinely use mechanical LV unloading, to promote ventricular recovery and/or to prevent complications. Of those that do not routinely unload, 65% cited risk of complications as the reason. The most common indications for unplanned unloading were reduced arterial line pulsatility (68%), pulmonary edema (64%) and LV dilatation (50%). An intra-aortic balloon pump was the most frequently used device for unloading followed by percutaneous left ventricular assist devices. Echocardiography was the most frequently used method to monitor the response to unloading. Conclusions: Significant variation exists with respect to international practice of ventricular unloading. Further research is required that compares the efficacy of different unloading strategies and a randomized comparison of routine mechanical unloading versus unplanned unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The letter to the editor discusses the complexity of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) and the potential for left ventricular overload. The authors agree that this phenomenon can be observed, but it does not necessarily occur in daily clinical practice. They explain that the absence of clinical signs of left ventricular overload during VA ECMO is likely due to the intricate and dynamic interplay between an individual's pathophysiology and the extracorporeal circuit. The authors emphasize the importance of computational physiological modeling to gain insights into the cardiac loading conditions under VA ECMO. They also highlight the need for well-defined patient-specific goals and careful consideration of the potential benefits and complications of mechanical circulatory support. The authors conclude that computational models hold promise for research and clinical decision support in VA ECMO. [Extracted from the article]

The concept of left ventricular unloading has its foundation in heart physiology. In fact, the left ventricular mechanics and energetics represent the cornerstone of this approach. The novel sophisticated therapies for acute heart failure, particularly mechanical circulatory supports, strongly impact on the mechanical functioning and energy consuption of the heart, ultimately affecting left ventricle loading. Notably, extracorporeal circulatory life support which is implemented for life-threatening conditions, may even overload the left heart, requiring additional unloading strategies. As a consequence, the understanding of ventricular overload, and the associated potential unloading strategies, founds its utility in several aspects of day-by-day clinical practice. Emerging clinical and pre-clinical research on left ventricular unloading and its benefits in heart failure and recovery has been conducted, providing meaningful insights for therapeutical interventions. Here, we review the current knowledge on left ventricular unloading, from physiology and molecular biology to its application in heart failure and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term mechanical support by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is more and more applied in patients with severe cardiogenic shock. A major shortcoming of VA ECMO is its variable, but inherent increase of left ventricular (LV) mechanical load, which may aggravate pulmonary edema and hamper cardiac recovery. In order to mitigate these negative sequelae of VA ECMO, different adjunct LV unloading interventions have gained a broad interest in recent years. Here, we review the whole spectrum of percutaneous and surgical techniques combined with VA ECMO reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a mainstay of current practice in severe respiratory, circulatory or cardiac failure refractory to conventional management. The inherent complexity of different ECLS modes and their influence on the native pulmonary and cardiovascular system require patient-specific tailoring to optimize outcome. Echocardiography plays a key role throughout the ECLS care, including patient selection, adequate placement of cannulas, monitoring, weaning and follow-up after decannulation. For this purpose, echocardiographers require specific ECLS-related knowledge and skills, which are outlined here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]