Abstract
Between 1984 to 1993, mechanical circulatory support more than 3 hours was performed in 17 patients after surgery for valvular heart diseases. Types of support were as follows: venoarterial bypass (VAB) 4 cases, bi ventricular bypass (BVB) 10 cases, left ventricular bypass (LVB) 2 cases and left ventrucular assist device (LVAD) 1 case. Weaning and survival rates by the types of support were 50%, 25% of VAB cases, 70%, 50% of BVB cases, 100%, 50% of LVB cases, and 100%o, 0% of LVAD case, respectively. Resul is of weaning and survival rate were superior in BVB and LVB than those in VAB. Duration of circulatory suport in patients lost after weaning was longer than that in patients survived. Time duration from initial CPB to start of circulatory support was longer in failed cases than weaned cases. Low LV function and renal dysfunction as preoperative associating factors were observed more frequently in lost cases. The whole results of postcardiotomy circulatory support was acceptable (weaning rate 71%, survival rate 41%). Evaluation of cardiac performance and other organ function and early application of appropriate assist system might be the key for successful circulatory support after operation.
