OBJECTIVETo describe the experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiorespiratory support of 100 patients.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of the medical files of 100 patients submitted to the implant of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system for cardiorespiratory assistance of acute and refractory cardiogenic shock from December 2004 to September 2008. There were 67 males and 33 females, age ranged from 5 d to 76 years with a mean of (28+/-26) years, body mass ranged from 3.8 to 100.0 kg with a mean of (42+/-30) kg. The inter-surface of the ECMO equipment system was completely coated by heparin-coating technique. All patients were applied veno-artery ECMO and activated clotting time was maintained between 120 and 180 s and heparin usage dose was 5 to 20 Uxkg(-1)xh(-1). Mean blood flow was 40 to 220 mlxkg(-1)min(-1) during ECMO assistant period.

RESULTSThe shortest ECMO time was 12 to 504 h with a mean of (119+/-80) h. Sixty-one patients (61.0%) weaned off successfully from ECMO, 55 of them (90.2%) were discharged and 6 died of post-operative complications. Thirty-nine patients could not weaned off from ECMO. Total survival discharge rate was 55.0%. Mean aortic pressure before ECMO in survived patients was significantly higher than that of dead patients (P=0.038). Lactic acid concentration of artery blood before ECMO in survived patients was significantly lower than that of dead patients (P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONSECMO is an effective mechanical assistant therapy method for cardiac and pulmonary failure after cardiac surgery. Earlier usage of ECMO for heart lung failure patient and avoiding the main organs from un-recovery trauma are key success.