• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.36-43
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• 2024

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute respiratory failure, which frequently necessitates invasive mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the limited availability of ECMO resources poses challenges to patient selection and associated decision-making. Consequently, this retrospective single-center study was undertaken to evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. Methods: Between March 2020 and July 2022, 65 patients with COVID-19 were treated with ECMO and were subsequently reviewed. Patient demographics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were examined, and statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Results: Of the patients studied, 15 (23.1%) survived and were discharged from the hospital, while 50 (76.9%) died during their hospitalization. The survival group had a significantly lower median age, at 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47.5-61.5 years), compared to 64 years (IQR, 60.0-68.0 years) among mortality group (p=0.016). However, no significant differences were observed in other underlying conditions or in factors related to intervention timing. Multivariable analysis revealed that the requirement of a change in ECMO mode (odds ratio [OR], 366.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92-69911.92; p=0.0275) and the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR, 139.15; 95% CI, 1.95-9,910.14; p=0.0233) were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Changes in ECMO mode and the initiation of CRRT during management were associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 who were supported by ECMO. Patients exhibiting these factors require careful monitoring due to the potential for adverse outcomes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.195-204
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• 2024

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention for severe heart and lung failure; however, it poses the risk of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Comprehensive analyses of GIB in patients undergoing ECMO are limited, and its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included 484 patients who received venovenous and venoarterial ECMO between January 2015 and December 2022. Data collected included patient characteristics, laboratory results, GIB details, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors and assess the outcomes. Results: GIB occurred in 44 of 484 patients (9.1%) who received ECMO. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.0130) and need to change the ECMO mode (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.75-7.96; p=0.0006) were significant risk factors for GIB, whereas no association was found with antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation therapies during ECMO management. Half of the patients with GIB (22/44, 50%) underwent intervention, with endoscopy as the primary modality (19/22, 86.4%). Patients who underwent ECMO and developed GIB had higher rates of mortality (40/44 [90.9%] vs. 262/440 [59.5%]) and ECMO weaning failure (38/44 [86.4%] vs. 208/440 [47.3%]). Conclusion: GIB in patients undergoing ECMO is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risks of mortality and weaning failure. Even in seemingly uncomplicated cases, it is crucial to avoid underestimating the significance of GIB.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.399-407
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• 2024

Background: Pump-controlled retrograde trial off (PCRTO) is a safe, simple, and reversible method for weaning patients from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, few studies have compared PCRTO to conventional weaning methods. This retrospective study aimed to compare PCRTO to non-PCRTO methods. Methods: This study included patients who were weaned from VA-ECMO from January 2016 to December 2022 at our medical center. Demographic data, ECMO management, ECMO complications, survival to discharge, and cardiogenic shock after VA-ECMO weaning were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Seventy patients who were weaned from VA-ECMO using PCRTO and 85 patients who were weaned with conventional methods were compared. Patient characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The rate of survival to discharge was significantly higher in the PCRTO group than in the non-PCRTO group (90% vs. 72%, p=0.01). The rates of freedom from all-cause mortality at 10, 30, and 50 days after weaning from ECMO were 75%, 55%, and 35% in the non-PCRTO group and 62%, 60%, and 58% in the PCRTO group, respectively (p=0.1). The incidence of cardiogenic shock after weaning from VA-ECMO was significantly higher in the non-PCRTO group (16% vs. 5%, p=0.04). In logistic regression analysis, PCRTO was a significant factor for survival to discharge (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.28; p=0.02). Conclusion: Compared to conventional methods, PCRTO is a feasible and reversible method, and it serves as a useful predictor of successful VA-ECMO weaning through a preload stress test.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.664-667
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• 2002

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) provides stable oxygenation to prevent elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and bypasses a significant part of cardiac output to the pulmonary vascular bed to reduce pulmonary perfusion pressure. In addition, ECMO prevents right heart failure and low cardiac output by means of ventricular assist and reduction in volume load to right ventricle. As a result, ECMO can be used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertensive crisis after surgery for congenital heart disease, especially when it is refractory to conventional measures. We report a case of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis, developed in a 37-year-old male with patent ductus arteriosus with secondary pulmonary hypertension, which was successfully managed including ECMO.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.207-209
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• 2016

A 4-month-old boy diagnosed with acute myocarditis was treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Follow-up echocardiography eight hours after ECMO revealed intracardiac thrombosis involving all four heart chambers. Because of the high risk of systemic embolization due to a pedunculated thrombus of the aortic valve, we performed an emergency thrombectomy. After the operation, the patient had a minor neurologic sequela of left upper arm hypertonia, which had almost disappeared at the last outpatient clinic two months later. He was diagnosed with a major mutation in MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), which is related to thrombosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.804-807
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• 2010

Blunt bronchial injuries rarely occur in children. This can be a life threatening condition and respiratory management is important for successful treatment. We present here a pediatric patient who had traumatic bronchial transection with difficult airway management. Surgical treatment was carried out under ventilatory support using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the emergency room. During the application of ECMO, systemic heparization was unnecessary and. there were no thrormbotic complications. In conclusion， ventilatory SUpport using ECMO is useful for treating selected patients with blunt trauma regardless of using heparin.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2001.09a
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• pp.13-18
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• 2001

The ECMO system, including umbilical cord and membrane type oxygenator was connected with extracorporeal circulation unit, was applied to the fetus growth model of goat. The maximum survival time of goat fetus was 48 hours. Average blood rate for the extracorporeal circulation was $223{\pm}15.2 ml/min.$ The survival time of fetus was deeply related to body temperature, blood circulation and water temperature, anesthetized time, and fetus weights. Extern variables that are composed of anesthetized time, fetus weights, change of hemoglobin, circuit pressure, related to the survival time for fetus corrected the problem of previous ECMO model that is controlled by roller pump. It is directly delivered to heart on load. Applying the results from new ECMO model, further research will provide to the system of ECMO for human.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2009

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDR) with severe pulmonary hypoplasia is associated with significant mortality. Recently, several new therapeutic methods have been suggested, such as high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide. For hypoxemic respiratory failure unresponsive to these advanced medical treatment options, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) serves as the last potentially effective treatment. An understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension associated with CDH led to a strategy involving preoperative stabilization and delayed surgical intervention with ECMO. We describe four cases of ECMO, including the first report of ECMO for neonatal CDH in Korea.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 2022

Background: The effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest is being established, and serum lactate is well known as a biomarker of end-organ perfusion. We evaluated the efficacy of pre-ECMO lactate for predicting 6-month survival in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing ECMO. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 148 patients who underwent veno-arterial (VA) ECMO for ACS between January 2015 and June 2020. These patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 6-month survival. All clinical data before and during ECMO were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Patients' mean age was 66.0±10.5 years, and 116 (78.4%) were men. The total survival rate was 45.9% (n=68). Cox regression analysis showed that the pre-ECMO lactate level was an independent predictor of 6-month mortality (hazard ratio, 1.210; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.064-1.376; p=0.004). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of pre-ECMO lactate was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.56-0.72; p=0.002; cut-off value=9.8 mmol/L). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative survival rate at 6 months was significantly higher among patients with a pre-ECMO lactate level of 9.8 mmol/L or less than among those with a level exceeding 9.8 mmol/L (57.3% vs. 31.8%, p=0.0008). Conclusion: A pre-ECMO lactate of 9.8 mmol/L or less may predict a favorable outcome at 6 months in ACS patients undergoing VA-ECMO. Further research aiming to improve the accuracy of predictions of reversibility in patients with high pre-ECMO lactate levels is essential.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.151-156
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• 2016

Background: Survival of children experiencing cardiac arrest refractory to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is very poor. We sought to examine current era outcomes of extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) support for refractory arrest. Methods: Patients who were <18 years and underwent ECPR between November 2013 and January 2016 were including in this study. We retrospectively investigated patient medical records. Results: Twelve children, median age 6.6 months (range, 1 day to 11.7 years), required ECPR. patients' diseases spanned several categories: congenital heart disease (n=5), myocarditis (n=2), respiratory failure (n=2), septic shock (n=1), trauma (n=1), and post-cardiotomy arrest (n=1). Cannulation sites included the neck (n=8), chest (n=3), and neck to chest conversion (n=1). Median duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was five days (range, 0 to 14 days). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was successfully discontinued in 10 (83.3%) patients. Nine patients (75%) survived more than seven days after support discontinuation and four patients (33.3%) survived and were discharged. Causes of death included ischemic brain injury (n=4), sepsis (n=3), and gastrointestinal bleeding (n=1). Conclusion: ECPR plays a valuable role in children experiencing refractory cardiac arrest. The weaning rate is acceptable; however, survival is related to other organ dysfunction and the severity of ischemic brain injury. ECPR prior to the emergence of end-organ injury and prevention of neurologic injury might enhance survival.