Editorial: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become the most common form of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for cardiogenic shock (CS) in many institutions. We read with great interest the report of Hireche-Chikaoui et al (1) published in the recent issue of Critical Care Medicine, which illustrates the often fatal and frequently underestimated consequences of reduced transpulmonary blood flow on veno-arterial ECMO support (2). The cases, proposed management algorithm, and comments of others (3, 4) prompted us to provide further comment….
Tags: Cardiogenic Shock, ECMO, MCS