Role of ECMO as Bridge to VAD Therapy in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients - An Analysis of the STS Pedimacs Database

Purpose Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as bridge to ventricular assist device (EB-VAD) therapy is frequently used for initial resuscitation of critically ill pediatric patients (INTERMACS 1 & 2). Data regarding outcomes with this strategy is limited. Methods INTERMACS 1 & 2 patients enrolled in Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (PEDIMACS) between September 19th, 2012 & December 31st, 2017 constituted the study group. Of 370 patients, 271 received primary VAD (P-VAD) implantation & EB-VAD was utilized in 99 patients. Patient characteristics, durable VAD outcomes & time to first adverse event with & without preoperative ECMO bridge were compared. Sub-analysis of INTERMACS 1 patients was conducted. Results Lower age (p=0.0001) & critical cardiogenic shock(p Conclusion In INTERMACS 1 & 2 patients EB-VAD strategy is associated with poor early & late post-implant survival. Within INTERMACS 1 early survival is comparable with both strategies. EB-VAD could potentially benefit high risk INTERMACS 1 patients