Retrospective Analysis of 99 Patients With the Application of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Fuwai Hospital

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively summarize and analyze the data of 99 cases with the application of consecutive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from December 2004 to August 2008 in Fuwai Hospital. The intersurface of the ECMO equipment system was completely heparin coated. All patients received venoarterial ECMO, and the activated clotting time was maintained between 120 and 180 seconds. The heparin dose was 5-20 U . kg(-1) . h(-1). Mean blood flow was 40-220 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1) during ECMO assisted period. The shortest ECMO time was 12 hours, and the longest was 504 hours (mean time, 119.45 +/- 80.20 hours). Sixty patients (60.6%) weaned from ECMO successfully; 54 of them (84%) were discharged, and six died of postoperative complications. Thirty-nine patients could not wean from ECMO. Total discharge rate was 54.5%. ECMO is an effective mechanical assistant therapy for cardiac and pulmonary failure after cardiac surgery. Earlier use of ECMO for heart lung failure patients and avoidance of irreversible damage to the main organs are still the key points in the success of ECMO. ASAIO Joumal 2009; 55:474-477.