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Cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest contribute pre-dominantly to mortality in acute cardiovascular care. Here, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has emerged as an established therapeutic option for patients suffering from these life-threatening entities. VA-ECMO provides temporary circulatory support until causative treatments are effective and enables recovery or serves as a bridging strategy to surgical ventricular assist devices, heart transplantation or decision-making. However, in-hospital mortality rate in this treatment population is still around 60%. In the recently published ARREST trial, VA-ECMO treatment lowered mortality rate in patients with ongoing cardiac arrest due to therapy refractory ventricular fibrillation compared to standard advanced cardiac life support in selected patients. Whether VA-ECMO can reduce mortality compared to standard of care in cardiogenic shock has to be evaluated in the ongoing prospective randomized studies EURO-SHOCK (NCT03813134) and ECLS-SHOCK (NCT03637205). As an innate drawback of VA-ECMO treatment, the retrograde aortic flow could lead to an elevation of left ventricular (LV) afterload, increase in LV filling pressure, mitral regurgitation, and elevated left atrial pressure. This may compromise myocardial function and recovery, pulmonary hemodynamics—possibly with concomitant pulmonary congestion and even lung failure—and contribute to poor outcomes in a relevant proportion of treated patients. To overcome these detrimental effects, a multitude of venting strategies are currently engaged for both preventive and emergent unloading. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and structured synopsis of existing venting modalities and their specific hemodynamic characteristics. We discuss in detail the available data on outcome categories and complication rates related to the respective venting option. Graphical abstract

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) remains a serious condition with a high mortality rate. Precise identification of the PVE-associated pathogen/s and their virulence is essential for successful therapy and patient survival. The commonly described PVE-associated pathogens are staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently diagnosed species. Furthermore, multi-drug resistance pathogens are increasing in prevalence and continue to pose new challenges mandating a personalized approach. Blood cultures in combination with echocardiography are the most common methods to diagnose PVE, often being the only indication, it exists. In many cases, the diagnostic strategy recommended in the clinical guidelines does not identify the precise microbial agent, and frequently, false-negative blood cultures are reported. Despite the fact that blood culture findings are not always a good indicator of the actual PVE agent in the valve tissue, only a minority of re-operated prostheses are subjected to microbiological diagnostic evaluation. In this review, we focus on the diversity and the complete spectrum of PVE-associated bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in blood and prosthetic heart valve, their possible virulence potential, and their challenges in making a microbial diagnosis. We are curious to understand if the unacceptable high mortality of PVE is associated with the high number of negative microbial findings in connection with a possible PVE. Herein, we discuss the possibilities and limits of the diagnostic methods conventionally used and make recommendations for enhanced pathogen identification. We also show possible virulence factors of the most common PVE-associated pathogens and their clinical effects. Based on blood culture, molecular biological diagnostics, and specific valve examination, better derivations for the antibiotic therapy as well as possible preventive intervention can be established in the future.

Ventricular assist device implantation presents a possible bridge to heart transplantation for patients with failing Fontan physiology. However, evidence regarding outcome and possible pitfalls associated with the Fontan circulation is still insufficient. We describe the course of a 13-year-old male, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and underwent HeartMate III implantation due to refractory failure of the systemic right ventricle.

We performed an analysis of two blood purification systems to determine their performance for removing interleukins (ILs)-6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 from blood.AnBoth devices showed effective removal of the tested cytokines. IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and MCP-1 were removed faster and to a higher extent by the CytoSorbBoth the CytoSorb

OBJECTIVES Venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has emerged as a potentially life-saving treatment option in therapy-refractory cardiocirculatory failure, but longer-term outcome is poorly defined. Here, we present a comprehensive follow-up analysis covering all major organ systems. METHODS From February 2012 to December 2016, 180 patients were treated with ECLS for therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. The 30-day survival was 43.9%, and 30-day survivors (n = 79) underwent follow-up analysis with the assessment of medium-term survival, quality of life, neuropsychological, cardiopulmonary and end-organ status. RESULTS After a median of 1.9 (1.1–3.6) years (182.4 patient years), 45 of the 79 patients (57.0%) were alive, 35.4% had died and 7.6% were lost to follow-up. Follow-up survival estimates were 78.0% at 1, 61.2% at 3 and 55.1% at 5 years. NYHA class at follow-up was ≤II for 83.3%. The median creatinine was 1.1 (1.0–1.4) mg/dl, and the median bilirubin was 0.8 (0.5–1.0) mg/dl. No patient required dialysis. Overall, 94.4% were free from moderate or severe disability, although 11.1% needed care. Full re-integration into social life was reported by 58.3%, and 39.4% were working. Quality of life was favourable for mental components, but a subset showed deficits in physical aspects. While age was the only peri-implantation parameter significantly predicting medium-term survival, adverse events and functional status at discharge or 30 days were strong predictors. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates positive medium-term outcome with high rates of independence in daily life and self-care but a subset of 10–20% suffered from sustained impairments. Our results indicate that peri-implantation parameters lack predictive power but downstream morbidity and functional status at discharge or 30 days can help identify patients at risk for poor recovery.

Treatment with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) fell short of improving myocardial recovery measured by 30 day ejection fraction in the ECLS-SHOCK trial. However, to date, no data regarding impact of ECLS on long-term outcomes exist. In this randomized, controlled, prospective, open-label trial, 42 patients with CS complicating AMI were randomly assigned to ECLS (ECLS group, n = 21) or no ECLS (control group, n = 21). The primary endpoint was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 30 days. Secondary endpoints included mortality and neurological outcome after 12 months. Evaluation of neurological outcome used the modified Rankin Scale. The 12-month all-cause mortality was 19% in the ECLS group versus 38% in the control group (p = 0.31). Only one patient (control group) died after the initial 30 days. Three patients underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during follow-up (one in the control and two in the ECLS group). Favorable neurological outcome (modified Rankin Score ≤ 2) was seen in 61.9% of patients in the ECLS group versus 57.1% in the control group (p = 1). This pilot study showed that randomized studies with ECLS in CS patients are feasible and safe. Small numbers of included patients impede meaningful conclusions about mortality and neurological outcome. Our findings of numerical differences in mortality and survival with severe neurological impairment give an urgent call for larger multi-centric randomized trials assessing the endpoint of all-cause mortality but also considering the effects on neurological outcome measures.

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Occurrence of microbubbles (MB) is a major problem during venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with partially severe clinical complications. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro ECLS setup for the generation and detection of MB. Furthermore, we assessed different MB elimination strategies. Patient and ECLS circuit were simulated using reservoirs, a centrifugal pump, a membrane oxygenator, and an occluder (modified roller pump). The system was primed with a glycerin solution of 44%. Three different revolution speeds (2500, 3000, and 3400 rpm) were applied. For MB generation, the inflow line of the pump was either statically or dynamically (15 rpm) occluded. A bubble counter was used for MB detection. The effectiveness of the oxygenator and dynamic bubble traps (DBTs) was evaluated in regard to MB elimination capacities. MB generation was highly dependent on negative pressure at the inflow line. Increasing revolution speeds and restriction of the inflow led to increased MB activity. The significant difference between inflow and outflow MB volume identified the centrifugal pump as a main source. We could show that the oxygenator's ability to withhold larger MB is limited. The application of one or multiple DBTs leads to a significant reduction in MB count and overall gas volume. The application of DBT can significantly reduce the overall gas volume, especially at high flow rates. Moreover, large MB can effectively be broken down for faster absorption. In general, the incidence of MBs is significantly dependent on pump speed and restriction of the inflow. The centrifugal pump was identified as a major source of MB generation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides temporary cardiac and respiratory support and has emerged as an established salvage intervention for patients with hemodynamic compromise or shock. It is thereby used as a bridge to recovery, bridge to permanent ventricular assist devices, bridge to transplantation, or bridge to decision. However, weaning from VA-ECMO differs between centers, and information about standardized weaning protocols are rare. Given the high mortality of patients undergoing VA-ECMO treatment, it is all the more important to answer the many questions still remaining unresolved in this field Standardized algorithms are recommended to optimize the weaning process and determine whether the VA-ECMO can be safely removed. Successful weaning as a multifactorial process requires sufficient recovery of myocardial and end-organ function. The patient should be considered hemodynamically stable, although left ventricular function often remains impaired during and after weaning. Echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic monitoring seem to be indispensable when evaluating biventricular recovery and in determining whether the VA-ECMO can be weaned successfully or not, whereas cardiac biomarkers may not be useful in stratifying those who will recover. This review summarizes the strategies of weaning of VA-ECMO and discusses predictors of successful and poor weaning outcome.

Indikationen, Kanulierungstechniken und intensivmedizinischens Management sind bei Kindern und Erwachsenen zwar ahnlich, unterscheiden sich jedoch in einigen wichtigen Details. Daher sind wir der Meinung, dass die padiatrische ECMO-Therapie ausschlieslich von Kinder-Teams (Kinderherzchirurgen, Kinderkardiologen/Neonatologen und speziell geschulten Kardiotechnikern) durchgefuhrt werden sollte. Dieses Kapitel beschreibt die Indikationen und Kontraindikationen der ECMO-Therapie im Neugeborenen und Kindesalter sowie die verschiedenen Kanulierungstechniken, die Intensivtherapie und haufig auftretende Komplikationen und Strategien zu deren Vermeidung.

Ein mechanisches Kreislaufunterstutzungssystem ubernimmt bzw. unterstutzt die Aufrechterhaltung des Kreislaufs, das kann je nach Krankheitsbild fur eine kurzere oder langere Zeit erfolgen. Entweder wird der systemische oder pulmonale Kreislauf unterstutzt.

Background: Vasoplegic syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This retrospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the effect of early use of methylene blue (MB) on hemodynamics after an intraoperative diagnosis of vasoplegic syndrome (VS). Methods: Over a 10-year period, all patients diagnosed with intraoperative VS (hypotension despite treatment with norepinephrine ≥0.3 μg/kg/min and vasopressin ≥1 IE/h) while undergoing heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass were identified, and their data were examined. The intervention group received MB (2 mg/kg intravenous) within 15 min after the diagnosis of vasoplegia, while the control group received standard therapy. The two groups were matched using propensity scores. Results: Of the 1022 patients identified with VS, 221 received MB intraoperatively, and among them, 60 patients received MB within 15 min after the diagnosis of VS. After early MB application, mean arterial pressure was significantly higher, and vasopressor support was significantly lower within the first hour (p = 0.015) after the diagnosis of vasoplegia, resulting in a lower cumulative amount of norepinephrine (p = 0.018) and vasopressin (p = 0.003). The intraoperative need of fresh frozen plasma in the intervention group was lower compared to the control group (p = 0.015). Additionally, the intervention group had higher creatinine values in the first three postoperative days (p = 0.036) without changes in dialysis incidence. The 90-day survival did not differ significantly (p = 0.270). Conclusion: Our results indicate the additive effects of MB use during VS compared to standard vasopressor therapy only. Early MB administration for VS may significantly improve the patients’ hemodynamics with minor side effects.

Der konventionell therapierefraktare Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand verlauft in aller Regel letal. Die „Extracorporeal Life Support“(ECLS)-Therapie hat das Potenzial der sofortigen, vollen kardiopulmonalen Unterstutzung und wird zunehmend im Rahmen der kardiopulmonalen Reanimation (Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, ECPR) eingesetzt. Diese Arbeit soll Einblicke in die aktuelle Studienlage und eine Ubersicht uber das Verfahren der ECPR geben. Es erfolgt ein systematischer Uberblick uber die vorhandenen Daten und Empfehlungen zur ECPR-Therapie in Kombination mit einer fokussierten Darstellung von Schlusselelementen des Verfahrens. Die ECPR kann im Fall der frustranen konventionellen CPR zur Etablierung einer suffizienten Zirkulation dienen. Daten aus prospektiven, randomisierten kontrollierten Studien sind bisher nicht verfugbar. Es handelt sich um ein hochinvasives Verfahren, das entsprechende Expertise erfordert. Parameter zur Patienten-Triage konnen Alter und Vorerkrankungen, den beobachteten Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand, die Ischamiezeit, Qualitat und Dauer der Reanimation, einschlieslich Einsatz einer mechanischen Kompressionshilfe, umfassen. Vor Implantation liefern pH-Wert und Lactatkonzentration wertvolle Zusatzinformationen uber den metabolischen Zustand des Patienten und die Perfusion wahrend der Reanimation. Das Verfahren der ECPR sollte auf Zentren der Maximalversorgung beschrankt sein, die uber das volle Spektrum der modernen interdisziplinaren Herzmedizin verfugen, einschlieslich Kunstherzimplantation und thorakaler Organtransplantation. Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien und umfassende entsprechende Leitlinien sind dringend erforderlich. Die Definition minimaler Fallzahlen und die Etablierung von Kompetenzzentren werden zu diskutieren sein.

Objectives: Cell sources for cardiovascular tissue engineering (TE) are scant. However, the need for an ideal TE cardiovascular implant persists. We investigated the cardiotomy reservoir (CR) as a potential cell source that is more accessible and less ethically problematic. Methods: CR (n = 10) were removed from the bypass system after surgery. Isolation was performed using different isolation methods: blood samples were taken from the cardiopulmonary bypass and centrifuged at low density. The venous filter screen was cut out and placed into petri dishes for cultivation. The spongelike filter was removed, washed and treated in the same way as the blood samples. After cultivation, cell lines of fibroblasts (FB) and endothelial cells (EC) were obtained for analysis. The cells were seeded on polyurethane patches and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Life/Dead assay and immunohistochemistry. Results: No correlation between age, time of surgery and quality of cells was observed. The successful extraction of FB and was proven by positive staining results for TE-7, CD31 and vWF. Cell morphology, cytoskeleton staining and quantification of proliferation using WST-1 assay resembled the cells of the control group in all ways. The topography of a confluent and vital cell layer after cell seeding was displayed by SEM analysis, Life/Dead Assay and immunohistochemistry. The establishment of an extracellular matrix (ECM) was proven by positive staining for collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin and elastin. Conclusions: Viable FB and EC cell lines were extracted from the CR after surgery. Easy access and high availability make this cell source destined for widespread application in cardiovascular tissue engineering.

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is an invaluable tool in lung transplantation (lutx). More than the past years, an increasing number of centers changed their standard for intraoperative ECC from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) - with differing results. This meta-analysis reviews the existing evidence. An online literature research on Medline, Embase, and PubMed has been performed. Two persons independently judged the papers using the ACROBAT-NRSI tool of the Cochrane collaboration. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used to determine whether veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) resulted in better outcomes compared with CPB. Six papers - all observational studies without randomization - were included in the analysis. All were considered to have serious bias caused by heparinization as co-intervention. Forest plots showed a beneficial trend of ECMO regarding blood transfusions (packed red blood cells (RBCs) with an average mean difference of -0.46 units [95% CI = -3.72, 2.80], fresh-frozen plasma with an average mean difference of -0.65 units [95% CI = -1.56, 0.25], platelets with an average mean difference of -1.72 units [95% CI = -3.67, 0.23]). Duration of ventilator support with an average mean difference of -2.86 days [95% CI = -11.43, 5.71] and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay with an average mean difference of -4.79 days [95% CI = -8.17, -1.41] were shorter in ECMO patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment tended to be superior regarding 3 month mortality (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21-1.02) and 1 year mortality (odds ratio = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.37-1.13). However, only the ICU length of stay reached statistical significance. Meta-regression analyses showed that heterogeneity across studies (sex, year of ECMO implementation, and underlying disease) influenced differences. These data indicate a benefit of the intraoperative use of ECMO as compared with CPB during lung transplant procedures regarding short-term outcome (ICU stay). There was no statistically significant effect regarding blood transfusion needs or long-term outcome. The superiority of ECMO in lutx patients remains to be determined in larger multi-center randomized trials.

SummaryAortic arch surgery requires complex patient management beyond the manual replacement of the diseased vessel. These procedures include (i) a thorough and pathologically adjusted preoperative evaluation, (ii) initiation and control of cardiopulmonary bypass, (iii) cerebral protection strategies and (iv) techniques to protect the abdominal end organs during prolonged operations. Due to the complexity of aortic arch procedures, multimodal real-time surveillance is required during all stages of the operation. Although having the patient survive the operation is the major goal, further observation is necessary because of the chronicity of the disease. This review summarizes specific aspects of patient management during and after operations requiring periods of circulatory arrest, without necessarily referring to all studies on this topic. The pros and cons of different strategies are weighed against each other, including the personal experience of the authors. A number of questions are raised without providing a 'right' or 'wrong' answer. We show that a number of different well-established strategies can result in comparable excellent long-lasting surgical results.

Assessing the platelets’ functional status during surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass is challenging. This study used multiple electrode impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®) to create a timeline of platelet aggregation changes as induced by cardiopulmonary bypass in antiplatelet-naive patients undergoing elective surgery for mitral valve regurgitation. We performed six consecutive measurements (T1: pre-operatively, T2: after heparinization, T3: 3 min after establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, T4: immediately after administration of cardioplegia, T5: 5 min after administration of cardioplegia, and T6: 45 min after administration of cardioplegia). Platelet aggregation was determined after stimulation with 3.2-μg/mL collagen, 6.4-μM adenosine diphosphate, and 32-μM thrombin receptor activating peptide. Five patients were included (age: 64 ± 10 years, one female). We observed a decrease in hematocrit levels by −17.1% ± 3.7% (T1 vs T6) with a drop after establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2 vs T3) and slightly decreasing platelet counts by −6.2% ± 7.7% (T1 vs T6). Immediately after establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass (T2 vs T3), we observed reduced platelet aggregation responses for stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (−19.7% ± 12.8%) and thrombin receptor activating peptide (−19.3% ± 6.3%). Interestingly, we found augmented platelet aggregation for all stimuli 45 min after administration of cardioplegia (T5 vs T6) with the strongest increase for collagen (+83.4% ± 42.8%; adenosine diphosphate: +39.0% ± 37.2%; thrombin receptor activating peptide: +34.5% ± 18.5%). Thus, after an initial drop due to hemodilution upon establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, platelet reactivity increased over time which was not outweighed by decreasing platelet counts due to mechanical platelet destruction and absorption. These findings have implications for rational transfusion, peri-operative antiplatelet therapy, and for the management of patients on other extracorporeal support, such as extracorporeal life support or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objectives: The feasibility and hemodynamic effects of isoflurane sedation in cardiogenic shock in the presence of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment are currently unknown. Design: Retrospective single-center study. Setting: Cardiac ICU of Munich university hospital. Patients/Subjects: Cardiogenic shock patients with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment under sedation with volatile isoflurane between November 2018 and October 2019 have been enrolled in this study and were matched by propensity score in a 1:1 ratio with IV sedated patients treated between January 2013 and November 2018 from the cardiogenic shock registry of the university hospital of Munich. Measurements and Main Results: Isoflurane sedation was used in 32 patients with cardiogenic shock and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. The mean age of conventionally sedated patients was 58.4 ± 13.8 years and 56.3 ± 11.5 years for patients with isoflurane sedation (p = 0.51). Administration of isoflurane was associated with lower IV sedative drug use during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (86% vs 32%; p = 0.01). Mean systolic arterial pressure was similar (94.3 ± 12.6 vs 92.9 ± 10.5 mm Hg; p = 0.65), but mean heart rate was significantly higher in the conventional sedation group, when compared with the isoflurane group (85.2 ± 20.5 vs 74.7 ± 15.0 beats/min; p = 0.02). Catecholamine doses, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood and gas flow, ventilation time (304 ± 143 vs 398 ± 272 hr; p = 0.16), bleeding complications bleeding academic research consortium 3a or higher (59.3% vs 65.3%; p = 0.76), and 30-day mortality (59.2% vs 63.4%, p = 0.80) were similar in both groups. The overall sedation costs per patient were significantly lower in the conventional group, when compared with the isoflurane group (537 ± 624 vs 1280 ± 837 €; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Volatile sedation with isoflurane is feasible—albeit at higher costs—in patients with cardiogenic shock and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment and was not associated with higher catecholamine dosage or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow rate compared with IV sedation.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic surgery involving hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) results in a systemic inflammatory response that may negatively influence outcome. An extracorporeal haemadsorption (HA) device (CytoSorb®) that removes inflammatory triggers may improve haemodynamic and metabolic reactions due to excessive inflammation and, ultimately, outcome. METHODS: As a single-centre experience, the data of 336 patients who had undergone aortic surgery with HCA between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Patients with HA were matched to patients receiving standard therapy without HA (Control) by propensity score matching and compared subsequently. RESULTS: During aortic surgery with HCA, HA significantly reduced the requirement of norepinephrine (HA: 0.102 µg/kg/min; Control: 0.113; P = 0.043). Severe disturbances of acid–base balance as reflected by a pH lower than 7.19 (HA: 7.1%; Control: 11.6%; P = 0.139), maximum lactate concentrations (HA: 3.75 mmol/l; Control: 4.23 P = 0.078) and the need for tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane buffer (HA: 6.5%; Control: 13.7%; P = 0.045) were less frequent with HA. Compared to standard therapy, HA decreased the need for transfusion of packed red blood cells (1 unit; P = 0.021) and fresh frozen plasma (3 units; P = 0.001), but increased the requirement of prothrombin complex concentrate (800 IE, P = 0.0036). HA did not affect inflammatory laboratory markers on the first postoperative day. Differences in operative mortality (HA: 4.8%; Control: 8.8%) and the length of hospital stay (HA: 13.5 days; Control: 14) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: HA significantly reduces the need for vasopressors, the amount of transfusion and improves acid–base balance in aortic surgery with HCA. Multicentre prospective trials are required to confirm these results.

Background Surgical treatment of constrictive pericarditis (CP) is particularly challenging because of the increased risk of right heart failure. The necessity of postoperative extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can result in mortality rates of 100%. Preemptive implantation of ECLS may improve postoperative outcomes; however, no data are currently available on its use. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility of our strategy. Methods Between September 2012 and June 2016, ECLS was established percutaneously through the groin vessels in 12 individually selected patients with high-risk CP immediately before pericardiectomy in the operating theater as part of the surgical strategy. Prolonged weaning was performed in the intensive care unit. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data, and survival were analyzed. Results The median patient age was 61.5 years (first quartile, third quartile: 51.3, 68.5 years), with a preoperative central venous pressure of 24 mm Hg (first quartile, third quartile: 21, 28 mm Hg). Furthermore, the pulmonary artery pressure was greater than 60 mm Hg in 50% of patients and a dip plateau sign existed in 75% before surgery. The median duration of ECLS therapy was 132 hours (first quartile, third quartile: 96, 168 hours) with a length of stay on the intensive care unit of 10 days (first quartile, third quartile: 7.0, 16.8 days). There was no intraoperative death. The cumulative 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year survival rates were 83% ± 11%, 75% ± 13%, and 75% ± 13%, respectively. Conclusions From our real-world data, preemptive use of perioperative ECLS, assigned by individual team decision in selected patients with severe CP, is a feasible and safe strategy.

No guidelines for mechanical circulatory support in patients with therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock and multiorgan failure including ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) exist. To achieve immediate cardiopulmonary stabilization, we established an interdisciplinary concept with on-site percutaneous extracorporeal life support (ECLS) implantation. From February 2012 to November 2014, 96 patients were deemed eligible for ECLS implantation. Establishing ECLS was successful in 87 patients (mean age 54 +/- 13 years, 16% female, initial flow 4.4 +/- 0.9 l/min). Aetiologies included acute coronary syndromes (n = 52, 60%), cardiomyopathies (n = 25, 29%) and other pathologies. Fifty-nine patients (68%) had been resuscitated, and in 27 (31%), implantation was performed during CPR;11 patients (13%) were awake at implantation and 20 (23%) underwent implantation in the referring hospital. Metabolic parameters differed in non-survivors versus survivors before ECLS implantation (pH 7.15 +/- 0.23 vs. 7.27 +/- 0.18, P = 0.007;lactate levels 10.90 +/- 6.00 mmol/l vs. 8.79 +/- 5.78 mmol/l, P = 0.091) and 6 h postimplantation (pH 7.27 +/- 0.11 vs. 7.37 +/- 0.11, P < 0.001;lactate levels 10.19 +/- 5.52 mmol/l vs. 5.52 +/- 4.17 mmol/l, P < 0.001). Altogether 44 patients could be weaned, and 9 were bridged to assist device implantation and 1 to heart transplantation. The mean time of support was 6 days, and the 30-day survival rate was 47% (n = 41). ECLS serves as a bridge-to-decision and bridge-to-treatment device. Our interdisciplinary ECLS programme achieved acceptable survival of critically ill patients despite a substantial percentage of patients having been resuscitated and no absolute exclusion criteria. Further studies defining inclusion- and exclusion criteria might additionally improve outcome.

Objective Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) emerges as a salvage option in therapy refractory cardiogenic shock but is limited to highly specialized tertiary care centers. Critically ill patients are often too unstable for conventional transport. Mobile ECLS programs for remote implantation and subsequent air or ground-based transport for patient retrieval could solve this dilemma and make full-spectrum advanced cardiac care available to patients in remote hospitals in whom shock otherwise might be fatal. Methods From December 2012 to March 2016, 40 patients underwent venoarterial ECLS implantation in remote hospitals with subsequent transport to our center and were retrospectively analyzed. The mobile ECLS team was available 24/7, implantation was performed percutaneously bedside, and compact support systems designed for transport were used. Results Twenty percent of the patients were female; the mean age was 55 ± 10 years, and the mean Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support score was 1.3 ± 0.5. Patient retrieval was accomplished via ground-based (n = 29, 72.5%, mean distance = 27.9 ± 29.7 km [range, 5.6-107.1 km]) or air (n = 11, mean distance = 62.4 ± 27.2 km [range, 38.9-116.4 km]) transport. No ECLS-related complications occurred during transport. The ECLS system could be explanted in 65.0% (n = 26) of patients, and the 30-day survival rate was 52.5% (n = 21). Conclusion Remote ECLS implantation and interfacility transport on ECLS are feasible and effective. Interdisciplinary teams and full-spectrum cardiac care are essential to achieve optimal outcomes. Rapid-response ECLS networks have the potential to substantially increase the survival of cardiogenic shock patients.

OBJECTIVES: Therapy refractory cardiogenic shock is associated with dismal outcome. Percutaneous implantation of an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system achieves immediate cardiopulmonary stabilization, sufficient end-organ perfusion and reduction of subsequent multiorgan failure (MOF). METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing percutaneous ECLS implantation for cardiogenic shock from February 2012 until August 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Mean age was 52 ± 13 years, 6 (15%) were female. Mean pH values obtained before ECLS implantation were 7.15 ± 0.24, mean lactate concentration was 11.7 ± 6.4 mmol/l. Levels obtained 6 h after ECLS implantation were 7.30 ± 0.14 and 8.7 ± 5.0 mmol/l, respectively. In 23 patients (56%) cardiogenic shock resulted from an acute coronary syndrome in 13 (32%) from cardiomyopathy, in 5 (12%) from other causes. Twenty-seven (66%) had been resuscitated, in 14 (34%) implantation was performed under ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Of note, 97% of the acute coronary syndrome patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) either before ECLS implantation or under ECLS support. Extracorporeal life support implantation was performed on scene (Emergency Department, Cath Lab, Intensive Care Unit) by a senior cardiac surgeon and a trained perfusionist, in 8 cases (20%) in the referring hospital. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 51% [21 patients, due to MOF (n= 14), cerebral complications (n= 6) and heart failure (n= 1)]. Logistic regression analysis identified 6-h pH values as an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality (P< 0.001, OR = 0.000, 95% CI 0.000–0.042). Neither CPR nor implantation under ongoing CPR resulted in significant differences. In 26 cases (63%), the ECLS system could be explanted, after mean support of 169 ± 67 h. Seven of these patients received cardiac surgery [ventricular assist device implantation (n= 4), heart transplantation (n= 1), other procedures (n= 2)]. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the evolution of transportable ECLS systems and percutaneous techniques implantation on scene is feasible. Extracorporeal life support may serve as a bridge-to-decision and bridge-to-treatment device. Neurological evaluation before ventricular assist device implantation and PCI under stable conditions are possible. Despite substantial mortality, ECLS implantation in selected patients by an experienced team offers additional support to conventional therapy as well as CPR and allows survival in patients that otherwise most likely would have died. This concept has to be implemented in cardiac survival networks in the future.

Die Herz-Lungen-Maschine (HLM) ist eine Geratekombination, die in Verbindung mit der extrakorporalen Zirkulation (EKZ) zur Durchfuhrung von Operationen am offenen Herzen und an Gefasen als Standardmethode eingesetzt wird. Die HLM ubernimmt in Verbindung mit dem EKZ-System bei offenen Herzoperationen im Wesentlichen die Pumpfunktion des Herzens, den Gasaustauschfunktion der Lunge sowie die Regelung der Bluttemperatur. Die wichtigsten Grundkomponenten einer modernen Herz-Lungen-Maschine sind Messgerate zur Online-Gas- und Blutgasanalyse, eine fahrbare Konsole, ein verstellbares Mastsystem, Blutpumpen, Steuer- und Uberwachungsgerate, ein Anzeige- und Bedienpanel, ein elektronischer oder mechanischer Gasblender, ein Vakuumkontroler, ein Narkosegasverdampfer und ein elektronisches Dokumentationssystem. HLM-Gerate werden unter Berucksichtigung der Funktionalitat, maximaler Zuverlassigkeit, sicherheitstechnischer und ergonomischen Aspekten, der Pramisse einer optimalen Benutzerfuhrung und einer intuitiv begreifbaren Bedienung konstruiert und entwickelt. Das wesentliche konstruktive Unterscheidungsmerkmal von Herz-Lungen-Maschinen ist primar die modulare oder semimodulare Bauweise.

Background: Myocardial ischemia due to concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary dissection in patients with acute aortic dissection type Stanford A (AADA) is associated with myocardial failure and poor outcomes. Preoperative coronary angiography in this group of patients is still debated. The use of CT scan to diagnose coronary affection along with the establishment of high-pitched dual-spiral CT protocols are essential for improving outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed six AADA patients with heart failure who were treated using extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Options for diagnosing coronary affection and different therapeutic strategies for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in this patient cohort are discussed.Results: Retrospective review of CT images showed coronary abnormalities in 83% (n = 5). Four patients (67%) underwent unplanned coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ECLS was instituted in 67% (n = 4) due to left heart failure and in 33% (n = 2) due to right heart failure. Thirty day mortality was 67% (n = 4). The two patients that received ECLS for right ventricular support survived and both had undergone CABG.Conclusion: Besides preoperative evaluation of the extent of the dissection, focus on coronary affection in CT-scans helps to triage the operative procedure. Hybrid operating rooms allow for immediate interventional and/or surgical treatment and enable for immediate control of revascularization results. The use of ECLS over other types of ventricular support systems may allow for myocardial recovery in selected cases.

Hintergrund: Eine erfolgreiche Entwohnung nach biventrikularer mechanischer Kreislaufunterstutzung mit voller myokardialer Erholung ist bei fulminanter Myokarditis extrem selten. Wir berichten uber unsere Erfahrungen mit dem neuen MEDOS HIA ventricular assist device (VAD).

Introduction Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a well-established bridging therapy in patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure to maintain organ function and is frequently performed in patients who are not intubated. However, severly impaired cardiac function can occur pulmonary edemy in these patients, necessitating left ventricular unloading. Methods and Results In this study we report a 37-year old female patient with familiar dilated cardiomyopathy suffering from acute biventricular heart failure. After implantation of a peripheral ECLS, the decreased ventricular led to refractory pulmonary edema. To unload the left ventricle, an percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy was performed without intubating the patient. The left ventricle was vented by the venous cannula resting inside the atrioseptostomy. After twelve days on ECLS, the patient underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient discharged from intensive care unit four days after surgery. Conclusions In this report we present a patient in which the hybrid technique of ECLS with secondary left ventricular unloading was successfully used as a bridge to transplant therapy. This procedure may offer an alternative bridge-to-decision options in selected patients, including those that were not intubated or anaesthetized.

Je nach Indikation werden verschiedene Systeme in verschiedener Funktion (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD, pulsatil, nichtpulsatil, para-, intrakorporal, TAH [Total Artificial Heart], ECMO [extrakorporale Membranoxigenierung], perkutane Systeme) eingesetzt (► Kap. 3 bis ► Kap. 7).

Background: In an experimental setting, the performance of the LifeBox, a new portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) system suitable for patient transport, is presented. Standard rectilinear percutaneous cannulae are normally employed for this purpose, but have limited flow and pressure delivery due to their rigid structure. Therefore, we aimed to determine the potential for flow increase by using self-expanding venous cannulae. Methods: Veno-arterial bypass was established in three pigs (40.6±5.1 kg). The venous line of the cardiopulmonary bypass was established by cannulation of the external jugular vein. The arterial side of the circulation was secured by cannulation of the common carotid artery. Two different venous cannulae (SmartCanula 18/36F 430mm and Biomedicus 19F) were examined for their functional integrity when used in conjunction with the centrifugal pump (500-3000 RPM) of the LifeBox system. Results: At 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 RPM, the blood flow increased steadily for each cannula, but remained higher in the self-expanding cannula. That is, the 19F rectilinear cannula achieved a blood flow of 0.93±0.14, 1.47±0.37, 1.9±0.68, and 1.5±0.9 l/min, respectively, and the 18/36F self-expanding cannula achieved 1.1±0.1, 1.9±0.33, 2.8±0.39 and 3.66±0.52 l/min. However, when tested for venous line pressure, the standard venous cannula achieved -29±10.7mmHg while the self-expanding cannula achieved -13.6 ±4.3mmHg at 1500 RMP. As the RPM increased from 2500 to 3000, the venous line pressure accounted for −141.9±20 and −98±7.3mmHg for the 19F rectilinear cannula and -30.6±6.4 and -45±11.6mmHg for the self-expanding cannula. Conclusion: The self-expanding cannula exhibited superior venous drainage ability when compared to the performance of the standard rectilinear cannula with the use of the LifeBox. The flow rate achieved was approximately 40% greater than the standard drainage device, with a maximal pump flow recorded at 4.3l/min.

BACKGROUND Successful weaning from biventricular mechanical support with full recovery of the myocardial function is extremely rare in fulminant myocarditis. We report on our experience with the new MEDOS HIA ventricular assist device. METHODS AND RESULTS We used the MEDOS assist system to support a 30-year-old woman with profound circulatory impairment caused by acute myocarditis. The device provided adequate hemodynamics and recovery of myocardial function. Despite anticoagulation therapy we had to change either the left or right ventricular pump chamber because of clot formation on the surface of the outflow tract. On the 14th postoperative day a surgical reintervention was necessary for bleeding from the cannulation site of the pulmonary artery. After 17 days the myocardial function had recovered and we could remove the assist system. The following parameters were measured before implantation of the MEDOS assist system and after weaning from circulatory support: ejection fraction 15 vs. 45%, cardiac index 0.7 vs. 2.6 L/min/m2, arterial pressure (systolic/diastolic/mean) 81/55/66 vs. 113/66/82 mm Hg, pulmonary artery pressure 33/25/29 vs. 34/20/28 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 24 vs. 19 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS Despite severe cardiac failure in fulminant myocarditis requiring biventricular mechanical support full recovery of the myocardium is possible.