Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Postcardiotomy Elderly Patients: The Mayo Clinic Experience

The Mayo Clinic reviewed its series using VA ECMO for postcardiotomy support in patients older than the age of 70 years.  Not surprisingly, only a quarter of patients were able to be discharged alive.  Preop atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, lactic acidosis on support, and persistent coagulopathy were each associated with a higher mortality.