Clinical trials

This study aims to compare the impact of hemodynamic monitoring using pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) on survival and inotropic agent reduction in patients with cardiogenic shock caused by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The investigators also intend to compare the difference in long-term survival rates among patients who have recovered from cardiogenic shock due to HFrEF, based on the timing of initiation of beta-blocker treatment.

Peripheral VA-ECMO is widely used in refractory cardiogenic shock patients as a salvage therapy. In most cases, the femoral artery and vein are used for the vascular approach. Large cannulas are usually used for proper oxygenation, which may cause peripheral limb ischemia. Distal perfusion catheterization (DPC) at the ipsilateral arterial cannula site is recommended to prevent distal limb ischemia. However, there is no consensus on the proper timing of DPC and additional invasive procedures may cause complications during VA-ECMO support. In this analysis, the investigators compare the clinical outcomes of distal limb ischemia complications between the conventional DPC group (DPC at the time of limb ischemia sign) and the preemptive DPC group (DPC at the time of VA-ECMO application).