VA-ECMO in Cardiogenic Shock as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation

Introduction

The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in cardiogenic shock as a direct bridge to heart transplantation is highly controversial. Most hospitals only use VA-ECMO as a bridge to decision, recovery, or other long-lasting devices.^–

We report a successful case of VA-ECMO as a bridge to urgent heart transplantation in a patient in INTERMACS I cardiogenic shock. There was complete recovery of tissue oxygen and renal and liver functions, allowing for heart transplant in a patient with overall improved organ functions. In selected cases, VA-ECMO is a relatively low-cost alternative to mechanical circulatory support that could be more easily implemented in Brazilian hospitals.

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