Acutely Severe Myocarditis Successfully Treated by Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support Applied by a Newly Developed Heparin-Binding Oxygenator and Circuits

Abstract

The feasibility of using the heparin-bound percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS) for pro-longed extracorporeal circulation in patients with acute severe myocarditis is demonstrated. The case histories of 2 patients with cardiogenic shock caused by acute myocarditis are presented; both were successfully treated with long-term PCPS using a newly developed heparin-binding oxygenator and circuits without changing the oxygenator. The courses of both patients remain uneventful more than 12 months after discharge. We also discuss the clinical aspects of using heparin-bound PCPS in patients with acute severe myocarditis. (Jpn Circ J 1997; 61: 1037 - 1042)