This study evaluated differences in efficacy and safety outcomes with bivalirudin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). We performed a retrospective study at an academic medical center that included patients greater than 18 years of age supported with VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock from January 2009 to February 2021. The primary endpoint was ECMO-associated thrombotic events normalized to duration of ECMO support. Secondary safety endpoints included major bleeding (per ELSO criteria) and blood product administration. Overall, 143 patients were included in our analysis with 54 having received bivalirudin and 89 having received UFH. Median duration of ECMO support was 92 (interquartile range, 56-172) hours. ECMO-associated thrombotic events per ECMO day were significantly less among those that received bivalirudin (P < 0.001). In adjusted regression, bivalirudin was independently associated with an increased time to thrombosis when compared with UFH (Exp[B] -3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-8.8; P = 0.002). Patients receiving bivalirudin experienced less major bleeding events (P = 0.02) with less total red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma administration (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Bivalirudin is a safe and efficacious alternative to UFH in patients requiring VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock.

BackgroundPatients with refractory cardiogenic shock from an acute myocardial infarction may receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and require the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA–ECMO). The purpose of this study was to compare bleeding and thrombotic events in patients treated with cangrelor plus aspirin versus oral dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) while supported with VA–ECMO.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients who received PCI, were supported with VA–ECMO, and were treated with either cangrelor plus aspirin or oral DAPT from February 2016 through May 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital. The primary objective was the incidence of major bleeding, defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or greater. The incidence of thrombotic events was a secondary objective.ResultsThirty‐seven patients were included, 19 in the cangrelor plus aspirin group, and 18 in the oral DAPT group. All the patients in the cangrelor group received a dose of 0.75 mcg/kg/min. Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (36.8%) in the cangrelor group compared to 7 patients (38.9%) in the oral DAPT group (p = 0.90). No patient developed stent thrombosis. Two patients (10.5%) in the cangrelor group had a thrombotic event versus 3 patients (16.7%) in the oral DAPT group (p = 0.66).ConclusionsBleeding and thrombotic events were comparable between patients receiving cangrelor plus aspirin versus oral DAPT while on VA–ECMO.