Changes in Indications and Outcome in an Interdisciplinary ECLS-Program: Lessons That Have Been Learned

Objectives: No guidelines for mechanical circulatory support in patients with therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock including ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and therefore no recommendations for ECLS-implantation in these high risk patients exist. Various indications as well as laboratory parameters to predict outcome are still under discussion. Herein, we review the initial and later results of our ECLS-program for patients with therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock to identify factors contributing to optimal patient selection.