Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation in aortic surgery and dissection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the management of patients undergoing major aortic surgery with particular reference to aortic dissection. AIM: To review the available literature to determine if there was any evidence. METHODS: A systematic literature search through PubMed and EMBASE was undertaken according to specific key words. RESULTS: The search resulted in 29 publications relevant to the subject: 1 brief communication, 1 surgical technique report, 1 invited commentary, 1 retrospective case review, 1 observational study, 4 retrospective reviews, 13 case reports and 7 conference abstracts. A total of 194 patients were included in these publications of whom 77 survived. CONCLUSION: Although there is no compelling evidence for or against the use of ECMO in major aortic surgery or dissection, it is enough to justify its use in this patient population despite current adverse attitude.