ECMO provides a good temporary cardiopulmonary support in patients with postcardiotomy shock. The preoperative risk factors of failure to withdraw ECMO are poor left-ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and refractory severe metabolic acidosis. The peri-ECMO predictors of mortality include low serum albumin level, low platelet count, low oxygen pressure of the venous tube of the ECMO and poor cardiac systolic function.

Early surgical treatment for coronary artery fistulas is safe and effective. The risk of operative correction appears to be considerably less than the potential for development of serious and potentially fatal complications, even in asymptomatic patients.

No abstract