Acute and critically ill peripartum XXXX and 'bridge to' therapeutic options: a single center experience with @entity2333 , extra corporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.

@entity1 @entity296 @entity712 @entity881 @entity2333 @entity715 @entity1455 @entity1002
INTRODUCTION: @entity296 ( @entity296 ) @entity1 refractory to medical therapy and @entity2333 or in whom weaning from these therapies is impossible, are candidates for a @entity1002 ( @entity1002 ) as a bridge to recovery or transplant. Continuous-flow LVADs are smaller, have a better long-term durability and are associated with better outcomes. Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as a temporary support in @entity1 with refractory @entity1455 . The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mechanical support in acute and critically ill @entity296 @entity1 . METHODS: This was a retrospective search of the @entity1 database of the Ghent University hospital (2000 to 2010). RESULTS: Six @entity296 - @entity1 were treated with mechanical support. Three @entity1 presented in the postpartum period and three @entity1 at the end of pregnancy. All were treated with @entity2333 , the duration of @entity2333 support ranged from 1 to 13 days. An ECMO was inserted in one @entity1 who presented with @entity1455 , multiple @entity881 and a stillborn baby. Two @entity1 showed partial recovery and could be weaned off the @entity2333 . Four @entity1 were implanted with a continuous-flow @entity1002 (HeartMate II, Thoratec Inc.), including the ECMO- @entity1 . Three @entity1002 @entity1 were successfully transplanted 78, 126 and 360 days after @entity1002 implant; one @entity1 is still on the transplant waiting list. We observed one peripheral @entity715 due to @entity2333 and five early bleeding complications in three @entity1002 @entity1 . One @entity1 died suddenly two years after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: In @entity296 with @entity712 @entity2333 was safe and efficient as a bridge to recovery or as a bridge to @entity1002 . ECMO provided temporary support as a bridge to @entity1002 , while the newer continuous-flow LVADs offered a safe bridge to transplant.
