Role of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Procedural Support Tool in Cardiovascular Instability: A Case Series.

The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasing worldwide. Patients with cardiogenic shock were the first indication for VA-ECMO according to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) guidelines. However, recent studies have shown that VA-ECMO is not beneficial in patients with cardiogenic shock. This report describes the case of three patients who presented with infarct-related cardiac arrest without cardiogenic shock and received VA-ECMO to support coronary intervention. These patients tolerated the treatment and showed a good prognosis at discharge. These cases describe the potential role of VA-ECMO as a supportive intervention in patients with infarct-related cardiac arrest without cardiogenic shock.