LEFT VENTRICULAR PERFORMANCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY INCREASING EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD FLOW ON VA ECMO
Abstract
Potentially adverse effect of extracorporeal circulation on acutely failing heart was studied. Our data indicate that the higher levels of VA-ECMO blood flow in cardiogenic shock may negatively affect left ventricular functions.
It can be, therefore, anticipated that optimal VA-ECMO blood flow should be as low as possible to maintain adequate tissue perfusion.