LEFT OR BIVENTRICULAR SUPPORT WITH CENTRIFUGAL PUMP IN PATIENTS WITH POSTCARDIOTOMY SHOCK

Abstract

Eleven adult patients (pts) received left or biventricular support (BVS) with centrifugal pump for weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (n=9) and postoperative cardiogenic shock due to ventricular arrhythmia (n=2). Out of 11 pts, 8 (73%) could be weaned from LVS or BVS and 6 (55%) including 2 cases of BVS discharged. All three pts who required BVS had preceding elevated CVP and low pump flow, and all were weaned. As complications, 6 pts had bleeding that needed rethoracotomy and 3 pts had cerebral infarction. While the centrifugal pump has some limitation in durability and antithorombogenesity, it seems useful for temporary circulatory support.