Interaction between veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the right ventricle

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Fundación Alfonso Martín Escudero The response of the right ventricle (RV) to the hemodynamic effects of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is unpredictable. We hypothesized if presence of uni- or bi-ventricular failure before implantation and cannulation strategy may influence. We assessed RV performance during VA-ECMO support and identify RV-related predictors of weaning.  Methods. Changes of RV size and function during VA-ECMO by echocardiography were retrospectively analyzed in 87 patients. Predictors of weaning were evaluated by logistic regression. Results. RV echocardiographic parameters did not vary significantly during VA-ECMO, neither after stratification by cannulation type or presence of isolated or biventriular failure. Succesful weaning was conditioned by absence of RV dysfunction before implantation (OR 14.7,95%CI 13.3-140.3;p = 0.025) or in the last day of support (OR 9.5; 95%CI 1.6-54;p = 0.011) and was favored by a total or partial recovery of RV function during the assistance (OR 6.2; 95%CI 1.7-22.4;p = 0.005). RV improvement was more often observed in patients with acute RV failure, while VA-ECMO configuration had no effect. Conclusions. Preservation or improvement of RV function during VA-ECMO support is essential for weaning. RV echocardiographic performance does not change significantly during VA-ECMO  and is not influenced by cannulation type or presence of uni- or bi-ventricular failure before implantation. Echo parameters evolution during VA-ECMOPre-ECMO< 24h on ECMO> 24h on ECMOpNn = 68n = 68n = 63LV diastolic diameter, mm (mean ± SD)53.34 ± 15.5954.86 ± 13.8956.18 ± 14.620.317LV systolic diameter, mm45.28 ± 11.6745.17 ± 14.5846.07 ± 15.590.963LVEF, n (%)20 (10-38.75)17.5 (10-30)25 (10-40)0.102RV basal diameter, mm (mean ± SD)41.05 ± 9.7938.92± 9.1740.05 ± 9.560.484RV systolic disfunction, n (%)65 (95.6)65 (95.5)43 (68.2)0.073Tricuspid regurgitation, n (%)50 (73.4)37 (54.3)49 (77.8)0.146Pulmonary systolic pressure, mmHg (mean ± SD)41.54 ± 24.1339.09 ± 20.2445.29 ± 25.730.783Aortic regurgitation, n (%)47 (69.1)39 (57.4)35 (55.5)0.775Mitral regurgitation, n (%)64 (94.1)48 (70.5)44 (69.8)0.591Dd diastolic diameter; EF: ejection fraction; LV: left ventricle; LVOT: left ventricle outflow tract; RV: right ventricle; RVOT: right ventricle outflow tract; VTI: velocity time integralAbstract Figure. Right ventricular function predictors