Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for 67 Days as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation in a Postcardiotomy Patient with Failing Heart and Mediastinitis

Abstract

We report a case of successful heart transplantation after 67 days of support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a patient who underwent surgery for type A aortic dissection and myocardial infarction complicated by irreversible myocardial damage and a deep sternal wound infection. During ECMO support, left heart vent and distal limb perfusion were performed. Mediastinitis was treated with mediastinal washout and irrigation. Multiple complications from peripheral ECMO were successfully managed.

Keywords

• cardiomyopathy
• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• heart
• mediastinitis
• shock
• transplantation