226: Outcomes of Transport of Post-Cardiotomy Patients on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Is it Worth the Effort?

Purpose: Patients requiring mechanical support for post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock have an incredibly high mortality. Transporting such patients poses significant logistical and resource challenges. However, the outcomes of such patients remain unknown, questioning if the effort is justified. Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a high volume ECMO center for all patients treated with VA-ECMO for post-cardiotomy shock requiring transport. Primary endpoints were ability to wean from mechanical support and survival to discharge neurologically intact. Secondary outcomes were initial indication for surgery, need for adjunctive therapies, mode of transportation, and differentiation between central and peripheral cannulation. Results: A total of 28 post-cardiotomy VA-ECMO patients were identified. 46.4% (13/28) were weaned off ECMO and survived to hospital discharge. 21.4% (6/28) were weaned from ECMO but expired during hospital stay. 32.2% (9/28) expired on ECMO. Secondary endpoints are summarized in Table 1. Conclusion: Despite the severity of illness and challenged associated with transporting post-cardiotomy VA-ECMO patients, 46% survived to discharge, justifying the resource utilization.