Comparison of clinical outcomes with cangrelor plus aspirin versus oral dual antiplatelet therapy in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: Patients with refractory cardiogenic shock from an acute myocardial infarction may receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and require the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The purpose of this study was to compare bleeding and thrombotic events in patients treated with cangrelor plus aspirin versus oral dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) while supported with VA-ECMO.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who received PCI, were supported with VA-ECMO, and were treated with either cangrelor plus aspirin or oral DAPT from February 2016 through May 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital.

Bivalirudin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

This study evaluated differences in efficacy and safety outcomes with bivalirudin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). We performed a retrospective study at an academic medical center that included patients greater than 18 years of age supported with VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock from January 2009 to February 2021. The primary endpoint was ECMO-associated thrombotic events normalized to duration of ECMO support.