The Challenges of Venoarterial ECMO for Postcardiotomy Shock

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) commonly is used to manage cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement,1,2 cardiac catheterization procedures, and cardiac arrest.3,4 Anesthesiologists often are involved in the management of these patients both in the operating room and in critical care settings. However, its use raises many medical, ethical, and economic challenges.5,6 Several articles,7-14 editorials,15,16 and a pro/con debate17,18 related to ECMO after cardiac surgery have appeared this year in this Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research