Veno-arterial ECMO (VA ECMO) is considered the ultimate lifesaving technique in refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). However, VA ECMO is associated with potentially serious adverse effects and complications. Many authors have demonstrated that VA ECMO increases left ventricular (LV) afterload, leading to increased LV stress, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and left atrial pressure (LAP). This pressure increase frequently results in pulmonary oedema and higher myocardial oxygen consumption. These complications are critical to patient survival and myocardial recovery and can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. In the absence of clinical studies and strong recommendations, the optimized management of VA ECMO in clinical practice involves finding an ECMO flow that balances adequate organ perfusion with preserved ventricular ejection, while minimizing LV stress. Since the optimal flow changes with myocardial recovery, ramp tests are regularly performed to adjust ECMO flow. To date, the optimized management of VA ECMO has been guided empirically. The aim of this study is to describe the consequences of variations in VA ECMO flow during the critical phase of cardiogenic shock on peripheral organ perfusion and LV stress. By analyzing the relationships between VA ECMO flow rate, peripheral perfusion, and myocardial stress, investigators aim to optimize flow settings-particularly by minimizing the potential complications of VA ECMO. During the daily ramp tests, investigators plan to collect hemodynamic data (cardiac output, SvO₂, pulse pressure, EtCO₂, vasopressor and inotrope dosing), echocardiographic measurements, and organ perfusion indicators (NIRSS, CO₂ gap, respiratory quotient, lactate levels). Data will be collected on Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
55
Observing the optimal flow rate to reduce left ventricular stress and enhance peripheral organ perfusion during ramp tests (conducted at QECMO levels of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%, provided that SVO₂ remains \>55% and NIRS rSO₂ remains \>50%)
Montpellier University Hospital
Montpellier, Occitanie, France
optimal flow
ECMO flow indexed to body surface area, defined as the flow with minimum PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) and SvO2\>55% at different times after ECMO start (Day 1, day 2 and day 3).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
optimal flow according to echocardiography
ECMO flow indexed to body surface area, defined as the flow with minimum LVEDD (Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter) and SvO2\>55% at different times after ECMO start (Day 1, day 2 and day 3).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
optimal flow according to the patient's native cardiac output
ECMO flow indexed to body surface area, defined as the flow with optimized native cardiac output (measured or estimated by EtCO2 and arterial pulse pressure) at different times after ECMO start (Day 1, day 2 and day 3).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
optimal flow in subgroup 1 (low pulse pressure)
Optimal flow as defined by the primary outcome in patients with low arterial pulse pressure (\<15mmHg) at different times after ECMO start (Day 1, day 2 and day 3).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
optimal flow in subgroup 2 (normal pulse pressure)
Optimal flow as defined by the primary outcome in patients with normal arterial pulse pressure (\>15mmHg) at different times after ECMO start (Day 1, day 2 and day 3).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
Correlation between flow and other perfusion indicators
test the correlation between flow rate and tissue perfusion indicators (SvO2, NIRSS, Respiratory quotient, CO2 gap).
Time frame: Day 1 (ECMO initiation), Day 2 (24 hours after ECMO initiation), and Day 3 (48 hours after ECMO initiation).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.