Korean J Transplant.  2023 Nov;37(Suppl 1):S285. 10.4285/ATW2023.F-9025.

Outcomes of peripheral cannulation in ECMO as a bridge to heart transplantation: a single-center preliminary experience

• Jeong IS
• Kim KH
• Yoon HJ
• Lee GS
• Cho JY
• Kim MC
• Kim HY
• Lim Y
• Kim JM

• KMID: 2551914
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2023.F-9025

Abstract

Background
While the number of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to heart transplantation gradually increases, the outcomes remain suboptimal. Notably, waiting for transplantation in a peripheral cannulation state is controversial due to the potential for various complications.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients who received ECMO as a bridge to heart transplantation at Chonnam National University Hospital between January 2018 and June 2023.
Results
Of the 23 heart transplant recipients, 12 were bridged with ECMO. The median age of these patients was 59 years (range, 41–73 years). The median duration from ECMO initiation to transplantation was 22 days (range, 9–36 days). Nine patients (75%) survived and were discharged, with a median waiting time of 18 days. Eight were on peripheral cannulation. All surviving patients proceeded with transplantation in a non-intubated and awakening state. In contrast, the three non-survivors waited a median of 23 days and required mechanical ventilation before surgery.
Conclusions
Although limited by a single-center experience over a short period, our findings suggest that peripheral ECMO cannulation might be suitable for patients awaiting heart transplantation.