Decompression of Left Ventricle During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support as a Step to Transplant.

Objectives: Left ventricular distention can be recognized during the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a key complication. Left ventricular decompression may decrease pulmonary pressure, minimize ventricular distention, and allow myocardial recovery.

Materials And Methods: We applied venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to 4 patients while on a wait list for cardiac transplant.