Extracorporeal Life Support for Post-Cardiotomy Acute Right Ventricular Failure: a Retrospective Observational Multicenter Study

Background Post-cardiotomy acute right ventricular failure (aRVF) constitutes a complex clinical challenge that might necessitate escalating interventions, including extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This study evaluated outcomes of adults requiring ECLS for post-cardiotomy aRVF compared with other post-cardiotomy indications. Methods In this multicenter, international, retrospective study, we analyzed patients undergoing post-cardiotomy ECLS from January 2000 to December 2020 and compared patients’ characteristics and in-hospital mortality between aRVF and other indications. Results Of 2010 patients, 240 (12%) had aRVF and 1770 (88%) had other indications for ECLS. Demographics were similar between groups; median age was 65 (55-72) years ( P = .217), and 60% were male ( P = .675). The aRVF group showed higher preoperative right-sided cardiac dysfunction, including preexisting right ventricular failure (aRVF, 22%; other indications, 8%; P < .001) and biventricular failure (aRVF, 12%; other indications, 7%; P = .013). Patients with aRVF more frequently underwent tricuspid valve surgery (aRVF, 20%; other indications, 13%; P = .003) and aortic root procedures (aRVF, 24%; other indications, 13%). They also required longer ECLS support (aRVF, 135 [70-221] hours; other indications, 116 [58-192] hours; P = .025) and longer intensive care unit stay (aRVF, 15 [7-29] days; other indications, 13 [6-25] days; P = .042). Despite more complications, including nonsurgical bleeding (aRVF, 31%; other indications, 25%; P = .042) and persistent right-sided heart failure (aRVF, 50%; other indications, 17%; P < .001), both in-hospital survival (aRVF, 59%; other indications, 61%; P = .526) and long-term survival were comparable (log-rank P = .17). Conclusions Patients requiring ECLS for post-cardiotomy aRVF, despite higher preoperative risks and complex clinical courses, achieve survival rates comparable to those of patients with other indications.