Results of circulatory support for postoperative cardiogenic shock.

Over the last 5 years, 15 patients received ventricular assist devices (VADs) (Group 1) and 5 received percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) (Group 2) while in postoperative cardiogenic shock. Group 1 consisted of 8 men and 7 women ranging in age from 22 to 73 years (average age, 55 years). Nine of these patients underwent surgery for valve replacement, 5 for coronary artery bypass grafting, and 1 for closure of a ventricular septal rupture. The duration of VAD support ranged from 6 h to 9 days (mean, 3.9 days). Group 2 consisted of 4 men and 1 woman ranging in age from 49 to 68 years (average age, 57 years). One of these patients underwent surgery for valve replacement, 1 for coronary artery bypass grafting, 2 for replacement of a thoracic aneurysm, and 1 for left ventricular aneurysmectomy. The duration of CPS ranged from 4 h to 8 days (mean, 2.8 days). In Group 1, 13 patients were weaned from the VADs and 8 survived. Bleeding occurred in 5 patients, renal failure in 4, infection in 3, cardiac failure in 4, cerebral infarction in 1, perioperative myocardial infarction in 1, arrhythmia in 1, and ileus in 1. In Group 2, 4 patients were weaned from the CPS and 3 survived. Bleeding occurred in 3 patients, renal failure in 2, CNS injury in 2, and cardiopulmonary failure in 1. The 8 survivors in Group 1 have been followed for 2 to 56 months (mean, 28.7 months). Five patients were in NYHA class I, 2 were in class II and 1 was in class III.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)