Left ventricular decompression in paediatric veno-arterial extracorporeal life support: Reviewing the evidence

Abstract

Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (VA ECLS) is crucial for neonatal and paediatric patients with severe circulatory collapse but may cause left ventricular (LV) overload, affecting myocardial recovery and causing complications. Evidence on optimal LV decompression strategies in paediatric patients remains limited. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, including articles published between 1993 and 2024 focused on VA ECLS and LV decompression in patients under 18 years of age. The review included 11 retrospective cohorts and registry-based studies (2012-2024), totalling 1222 paediatric patients undergoing decompression. Patient demographics, initial diagnoses and VA ECLS settings were heterogeneous. The prevalence of LV decompression ranged from 46.6% in post-cardiotomy to 10.5% in non-post-cardiotomy peripheral VA ECLS cases. Most patients (57.1%) were supported with peripheral VA ECLS, and the majority (57.4%) underwent percutaneous decompression, whereas surgical approaches predominated in post-cardiotomy central VA ECLS. Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) was the most frequent technique (50%), followed by surgically placed left atrial cannula (37.4%). Thirteen case series (70 patients) and 28 case reports (28 patients) were also reviewed. Substantial variability in LV decompression strategies exists based on age and clinical scenario. PAS-based techniques were more common in younger patients on peripheral VA ECLS while older children often underwent different strategies. Surgical approaches were preferred in central VA ECLS, particularly in the post-cardiotomy setting. Procedural safety varied by technique. While PAS-based strategies such as BAS generally showed low complication rates, adverse events like arrhythmia, bleeding and cardiac perforation were reported in 7%-9% of cases. Surgical LA cannulation was associated with higher bleeding risk. Impella use was linked to haemolysis (50%) and major bleeding (20%). Comparative data highlight that each technique carries distinct procedural risks and complication profiles. In conclusion, LV decompression during paediatric VA ECLS remains technically challenging and variably adopted. Its benefit appears more consistent in the post-cardiotomy setting, where improved survival and reduced adverse outcomes were observed. Given the lack of standardization, further prospective studies and collaborative registries are essential to guide strategy selection, timing and risk-benefit balance, particularly in such a vulnerable population.

Keywords: left ventricular decompression; paediatric; unloading; veno‐arterial extracorporeal life support; venting.

Figure 1

Flowchart illustrating the systematic literature search and study selection process. Abbreviations: ECLS, extracorporeal life support; LV, left ventricle.

Figure 2

Described LV decompression techniques in VA ECLS paediatric patients. *Minimally invasive surgical access (subxiphoid incision, or left thoracotomy) or median sternotomy. †Surgical cutdown and placement of a chimney graft via femoral/transcarotid/axillary artery or ascending aorta. ‡Median sternotomy during CPB (postcardiotomy setting). Abbreviations: AFR, atrial flow regulator; ASD, atrial septal defect; BAS, balloon atrial septostomy; CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; IABP, intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation; IJV, internal jugular vein; LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle; PA, pulmonary artery; PAS, percutaneous atrial septostomy; VA ECLS, veno arterial extracorporeal life support. See text for further details.

Figure 3

Overall prevalence of decompression techniques implemented during paediatric VA ECLS identified from the available registry‐based studies and retrospective cohorts. Abbreviations: ASD; atrial surgical defect; BAS, balloon atrial septostomy; IABP, intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation; LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle; PAS, percutaneous atrial septostomy.

Figure 4

Available decompression techniques during paediatric VA ECLS according to weight, setting and ECLS configuration: a summary of the evidence. *Minimally invasive surgical access (subxiphoid incision, or left thoracotomy) or median sternotomy. †Median sternotomy. ‡Surgical cutdown and placement of a chimney graft via femoral/transcarotid/axillary artery or ascending aorta. Abbreviations: AFR, atrial flow regulator; Ao, aortic; ASD, atrial septal defect; BAS, balloon atrial septostomy; IABP, intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation; LA, left atrium; LV, left ventricle; PA. pulmonary artery; PAS, percutaneous atrial septostomy; VA ECLS, veno arterial extracorporeal life support; yo, years old. See text for further details.