Percutaneous Decompression of the Left Ventricle in Cardiogenic Shock Patients on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an important therapeutic option for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Adequate decompression of the left ventricular in these patients is a key predictor of successful recovery. The currently available percutaneous decompression techniques are limited by their partial unloading capability.

Method: We describe a series of four consecutive patients with refractory cardiogenic shock in whom adequate left ventricular decompression was achieved by integrating a transseptally placed left ventricular cannula into the existing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit.

Results: From May to June 2015, four consecutive patients underwent transvenous transseptal left ventricular decompression with a 22 French cannula that was integrated into the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit in a Y fashion. The mean age was 47.5 ± 20 years. All patients had refractory shock, and three patients failed prior decompression with an intra-aortic balloon pump. Fluoroscopy time was 12.15 ± 2.6 minutes. No procedural complications were noted. All patients had significant reduction in their pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and resolution of their pulmonary edema. Two patients died during the hospitalization due to sepsis and/or multiorgan failure.

Conclusion: Antegrade transseptal left ventricular decompression is feasible in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and persistent pulmonary edema.