How many lives are saved by ECMO in refractory cardiogenic shock following STEMI ?
A. Substantial
B. Many
C. Atleaset few
D. None
E. It may even Increase the fatality
Answer
While the popular answer swings between A to D , depending upon the level of optimism & belief system of cardiologists.
However, the correct answer is likely to be D(Ref 1) .
*While C, is quiet possible, E is very much a reality all experienced cardiologist would know.
Postamble
* My non-academic opinion is, ECMO and other MCS devices, are primarily, “guilt-relieving or professional pride delivering” toolkits for the patient’s family and cardiologists, respectively.
Reference
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01607-0/abstract
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 