Outcomes in patients requiring repeat extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background: As the number of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) increases nationwide, many patients may require ECMO more than once. We review our experience and outcomes in patients requiring repeat ECMO support. Methods: The Nebraska ECMO Research Database was utilized for data analysis, and repeat ECMO patients (REPs) were compared to the overall ECMO population. Results: Of 246 patients, 2.4% (6/246) were REPs. There was no statistical difference between the median days of initial support run (P = 0.670) and second support run (P = 0.813) for REPs when comparing to the non-REP population. Median hospital length of stay for REPs was 53 days (16-124) compared to the non-REPs, who had a median hospital length of stay of 22 days (1-270); P = 0.043. In-hospital mortality rate for REPs was 50% (3/6) and 50% for non-REPs (120/240). Survival 30 days postdischarge for REPs was 50% (3/6) compared to non-REPs at 48.3% (116/240); P = NS. Conclusions: Outcomes for repeat ECMO patients compare favorably to the overall ECMO population and suggest a need to explore and broaden the clinical indications for repeat ECMO.