Abstract
Over the last 2 years and 8 months, 11 patients received PCPS while in postoperative cardiogenic shock. There were 8 male and 3 female patients ranging in age from 49 to 75 years (average age 61). Four patients underwent surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting, 4 for graft replacement of thoracic aneurysm, 2 for valve replacement and one for patch closure of LV aneurysm. The duration of support ranged from 4 to 192 hours (mean 42.9). Eleven patients were weaned and 4 survived. The 4 survivors have been followed for 18 to 31 months (mean 23.5). Two were in NYHA class II and 2 were in class I. Univariate analysis indicated that renal failure and cardiac failure were the most important predictors of hospital death. The PCPS was effective in supporting circulatory failure, but serious complications were observed frequently in these patients.
