Objective Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a relatively new technology used for life support in patients with cardiopulmonary failure from various causes. The objective of this study is to review the first 5-year experience in adopting this technology in a teaching hospital in southern Thailand.

Methods The data of ECMO-supported patients in Songklanagarind Hospital, from the years 2014 to 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Data sources were from electronic medical records and the database of the perfusion service. Parameters in focus included prior conditions and indications of ECMO, type of ECMO and cannulation method, complications during and after the treatment, and discharge statuses.

Results A total of 83 patients received ECMO life support during the 5-year period and the number of cases per year increased. The proportion of venovenous: venoarterial ECMO in our institute was 49:34 cases and there were three cases who used ECMO as a part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Moreover, there were 57 cases who used ECMO for cardiac failure and 26 cases were for respiratory causes, while premature withdrawal was decided in 26 cases (31.3%). Overall survival from ECMO was 35/83 cases (42.2%) and survival to discharge was 32/83 (38.6%). During therapy, ECMO could restore serum pH to the normal range in all cases. Furthermore, those who used ECMO for respiratory failure had significantly higher survival probability (57.7%) when compared to the cardiac counterpart (29.8%, p-value = 0.03). Patients with younger ages also had significantly better survival outcomes. The most common complications were cardiac (75 cases, 85.5%), followed by renal (45 cases, 54.2%), and hematologic systems (38 cases, 45.8%). In those who survived to discharge, average ECMO duration was 9.7 days.

Conclusion Extracorporeal life support is a technology that bridges the patients with cardiopulmonary failure to their recovery or definitive surgery. Despite the high complication rate, survival can be expected, especially in respiratory failure cases and relatively young patients.

Received: 15 November 2022

Accepted: 30 November 2022

Article published online:
13 February 2023

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