Transfromation of Percutaneous Extracorporeal Life Support to Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device: A Case Report

Abstract

Percutaneous extracorporeal life support (P-ECLS) is a useful modality for the management of refractory cardiac or pulmonary failure. However, venoarterial P-ECLS may result in a complication of left ventricular distension. In this case report, we discuss a patient with drug-induced dilated cardiomyopathy managed with venoarterial P-ECLS and a left atrial vent catheter. The venoarterial P-ECLS was modified to a paracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) by removing the femoral venous cannula. After 28 days of hospitalization, the patient was successfully weaned from the paracorporeal LVAD and discharged home from the hospital.

Clinical Pearls of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock

“…The cannulation can be performed with the right mini-thoracotomy as a less invasive technique. It can later be used as a drainage cannula for paracorporeal LV assist device if necessary 69)70). Transapical LV cannulation through full sternotomy, lower median sternotomy,71) or left mini-thoracotomy72) is also known to be useful, which has the advantage of subsequent bridging the LV assist device later 72)…”