Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (PC-ECLS) in adult patients has been used only rarely but recent data have shown a remarkable increase in its use, almost certainly due to improved technology, ease of management, growing familiarity with its capability and decreased costs. Trends in worldwide in-hospital survival, however, rather than improving, have shown a decline in some experiences, likely due to increased use in more complex, critically ill patients rather than to suboptimal management. Nevertheless, PC-ECLS is proving to be a valuable resource for temporary cardiocirculatory and respiratory support in patients who would otherwise most likely die. Because a comprehensive review of PC-ECLS might be of use for the practitioner, and possibly improve patient management in this setting, the authors have attempted to create a concise, comprehensive and relevant analysis of all aspects related to PC-ECLS, with a particular emphasis on indications, technique, management and avoidance of complications, appraisal of new approaches and ethics, education and training.

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doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezaa283, hdl.handle.net/1765/133656
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

Lorusso, R. (Roberto), Whitman, G. (Glenn), Milojevic, M., Raffa, G. (Giuseppe), McMullan, D.M. (David M.), Boeken, U. (Udo), … D'Alessandro, D.A. (David A.). (2021). 2020 EACTS/ELSO/STS/AATS expert consensus on post-cardiotomy extracorporeal life support in adult patients. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 59(1), 12–53. doi:10.1093/ejcts/ezaa283