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ECMO in cardiogenic shock and bridge to heart transplant

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review is to discuss the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cardiogenic shock and its use to bridge patients to heart transplantation.

Methods and results

Consideration of published literature reveals indications for ECMO in cardiogenic shock and tools for patient selection, adequate evidence of its efficacy, its advantages when compared with other temporary mechanical circulatory support devices and details of its use as a bridge to decision, bridge to recovery, bridge to bridge (durable ventricular assist device) and bridge to heart transplant.

Conclusion

ECMO is invaluable in treating patients with medically refractory profound cardiogenic shock and allows for cardiac recovery or planning for permanent heart replacement treatments.

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  1. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore, 5 Hospital drive, Singapore, 169609, Singapore

    Mathew Jose Chakaramakkil & Cumaraswamy Sivathasan

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  1. Mathew Jose Chakaramakkil
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Chakaramakkil, M.J., Sivathasan, C. ECMO in cardiogenic shock and bridge to heart transplant. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 37 (Suppl 2), 319–326 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-020-00923-2

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