ECMO support after arterial switch operation: A case report series from a single institution

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO) after arterial switch operation (ASO) is a rescue therapy for
patients who cannot wean from cardiopulmonary bypass as a bridge to recovery and/or transplantation. We,
hereby, present a case report series of four patients from an institute who underwent ECMO after ASO for
dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). Two patients subsequently weaned off ECMO but only one
patient survived to discharge. ASO is a complex surgery that requires an approach of a multi-disciplinary team
where ECMO is a useful adjunct for recovery in difficult cases. Nevertheless, ECMO after ASO involves
discriminating patient selection, prompt timing to initiate and good care team management to achieve acceptable results and survival.