Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 59 - eP68
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269101

First experience with the new Cardiohelp life support system

P Kolat 1, A Philipp 1, M Arlt 2, T Müller 3, L Rupprecht 1, M Hilker 1, C Schmid 1
  • 1University Medical Center Regensburg, Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Regensburg, Germany
  • 2University Medical Center Regensburg, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Regensburg, Germany
  • 3University Medical Center Regensburg, Dept. of Medicine II – Pneumology, Regensburg, Germany

Portable miniaturized extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass systems emerge as a new tool for perioperative management in patients with cardiopulmonary failure. We report the initial experience with the new Cardiohelp system.

Since 6/2010, 6 patients (5 male, 1 female), 24–52 years old, were provided with the system. In 4 patients with isolated pulmonary failure a venovenous-ECMO (vv-ECMO) was placed, whereas 2 patients with cardiogenic shock underwent venoarterial ECMO insertion. Percutaneous cannulation was achieved in all cases. Pump flow ranged from 2–4 L/min according to the demands. Two of patients had system placement at a distant hospital and were transported to our center by helicopter after institution of mechanical support. Support interval was 10 days on average (7–12 days). Successful extubation while on ECMO was achieved in 2 cases. A longer-term VAD was placed in the 2 patients with cardiogenic shock, while the patients with respiratory compromise could be all weaned from vv-ECMO. No adverse events related to the Cardiohelp system occurred.

In conclusion, Cardiohelp is an extremely new useful tool for stabilization of patients with cardiopulmonary failure as well as for patient transport.