Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2002 Sep;35(9):664-667.

Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertensive Crisis Using ECMO: A Case Report

• Kim KB
• Choi JS

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) provides stable oxygenation to prevent elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and bypasses a significant part of cardiac output to the pulmonary vascular bed to reduce pulmonary perfusion pressure. In addition, ECMO prevents right heart failure and low cardiac output by means of ventricular assist and reduction in volume load to right ventricle. As a result, ECMO can be used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertensive crisis after surgery for congenital heart disease, especially when it is refractory to conventional measures. We report a case of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis, developed in a 37-year-old male with patent ductus arteriosus with secondary pulmonary hypertension, which was successfully managed including ECMO.

Keyword

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Pulmonary hypertensive crisis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cardiac Output
Cardiac Output, Low
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
Heart Defects, Congenital
Heart Failure
Heart Ventricles
Humans
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Male
Membranes
Oxygen
Perfusion
Vascular Resistance
Oxygen