3.4 Residual malformations
Residual cardiac malformations were found in 6 cases by transthoracic echocardiography. One neonate’s malformation was corrected during ECMO and discharged. Other patients were weaned successfully, but died finally due to recurrent heart failure. There was a statistically significant difference between the survival and non-survivals (P = 0.04). Studies [19,20] have reported that one-quarter of children with ECMO support after open open-heart surgery have residual anatomical problems. All residual lesions should be evaluated actively, early examination and interventional therapy were related to better clinical outcomes. Therefore, residual malformations should be discovered as soon as possible, and active intervention can improve cardiac function.