Awake Implementation of Extracorporeal Life Support in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

Background and objectives: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a widely accepted and effective strategy for use in patients presenting with refractory cardiogenic shock. Implantation in awake and non-intubated patients allows for optimized evaluation of further therapy options while avoiding potential side effects associated with the need for sedation and intubation. The aim of the study was the assessment of safety and feasibility of awake ECLS implementation and of outcomes in patients treated with this concept. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the concept of awake ECLS implantation in 16 consecutive patients (mean age 58 ± 8 years; male: 88%; ischemic cardiomyopathy: 50%) from 02/2017 to 01/2021. Study endpoints were survival to weaning or bridging to durable support or organ replacement and development of end-organ function and hemodynamic parameters on ECLS. Results: Fourteen patients (88%) were able to be successfully transitioned to definite therapy options. ECLS support stabilized end-organ function, led to a decrease in mean lactate levels (5.3 ± 3.7 mmol/L at baseline to 1.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L 12 h after ECLS start; p = 0.01) and improved hemodynamics (median central venous pressure 20 ± 5 mmHg vs. 10 ± 2 mmHg, p = 0.001) over a median duration of two days (1–8 days IQR). Two patients (13%) died on ECLS support due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Survival to discharge of initially successfully bridged or weaned patients was 64%. Conclusions: Awake ECLS implantation is feasible and safe with the key advantage of omitting or delaying general anesthesia and intubation, with their associated risks in cardiogenic-shock patients, facilitating further decision making.