Current applications and outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation based on six years of experience. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality. A single-center retrospective study

INTRODUCTION The data regarding venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) as a temporary circulatory support in cardiogenic shock (CS) for Central Europe are scarce. OBJECTIVES To disclose the indications, in-hospital and long-term (1 year) mortality along with risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study is a retrospective investigation of patients who underwent VA ECMO for CS at a cardiosurgical tertiary center, from January 2013 to June 2018. A broad spectrum of pre- and postimplantation factors was tested using univariable analysis. RESULTS 198 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median duration of support was 207 (IQR;91-339) hours, with no significant disparity among hospital survivors and nonsurvivors (P=0.09). 40.4% deceased during ECMO support, while the joined in-hospital and six-month mortality progressed to 65.2%, and one-year mortality to 67.2%. 9% underwent a subsequent heart transplantation. Main adverse events were bleeding (76%), infection (56%), neurologic injury (15%) and limb ischemia (15%). Multiorgan failure was the most decisive risk factor of in-hospital mortality (OR 4.45, P