eCPR exclusion criteria
arterial pH < 6.6
non-shockable rhythm > 20 mins after examination for cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism
hemoglobin < 8g/dl
ECMO cannulas are implanted via femoral vessels in Seldinger’s technique, as already published by our study group (12-15). Extracorporeal circulation is established by using a Rotaflow centrifugal pump (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany) with a Quadrox membrane oxygenator (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany) and the PLS2050 circuit system (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany).
After initiation of ECMO flow and stabilization of hemodynamics, the next steps of treatment were initiated.
Moreover, to avoid thromboembolic events during ECMO circulation, our anticoagulatory protocol included the intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin, with a target activated clotting time (ACT) of 180 to 200 seconds and PTT between 60 to 80 seconds.
Laboratory data were drawn along with initial blood gas analysis or after the patient’s transfer to ICU.