Perioperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Cardiopulmonary Failure Complicating Papillary Muscle Rupture.

The prognosis of papillary muscle rupture (PMR) leading to acute mitral regurgitation, pulmonary oedema, and cardiogenic shock remains dismal, with survival dependent on prompt recognition and surgical intervention. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for circulatory and/or respiratory support in critically ill patients failing conventional treatment has significantly increased in the past few years, mainly owing to technology improvements that have rendered the provision of this technique simpler and safer. In this report, four cases of refractory cardiopulmonary collapse complicating ischaemic and traumatic PMR successfully managed perioperatively with ECMO are presented. In this context, a review of the potential role of perioperative ECMO support for cardiogenic shock secondary to cardiac mechanical complications is also provided.