Twenty-Four Hour In-Hospital Congenital Cardiac Surgical Coverage Improves Perioperative ECMO Support Outcomes

This single institution study evaluated the effects of 24-hr in hospital congenital cardiac surgery coverage on outcomes for perioperative congenital heart surgery ECMO.  Institution of 24-hr coverage reduced hospital mortality from 68% to 43% as well as rates of cardiac arrhythmias and pneumonia.  24-hr coverage was independently associated with a reduced risk of mortality.