Survival of Patients Transferred from a Distant Hospital on ECMO Support

Abstract

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in patients with severe respiratory and/or cardiac pathologies. Transferring a patient on ECMO support to advanced hospital may become life-saving for whom. We evaluated the effects of very long distance transportation with ECMO. Methods: This study includes 10 patients who were transferred from a distant hospital to an advanced care hospital while on veno-venous (VV) or veno-arterial ECMO between 2017 and 2019. A transfer distance of at least 1000 km was the required inclusion criterion for the study. The primary outcome was all cause mortality in the hospital and in 1-year. The secondary outcomes were the duration of ECMO run and mechanical ventilation, durations of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Results: The mean distance of transport was 1878.2±440.7. One adverse event occurred because inappropriate electrical connection of the plane so backup ECMO device was switched on. Overall hospital mortality of the patients was 40% and 1-year survival was 50%. Conclusion: Interfacility transfer on ECMO support between too far centers is safe and may be a life-saving procedure for the patient. The survival rates of VV ECMO seems to be better.