Patients and methods: Between June 2016 and June 2017, a total of five patients (1 male, 4 females; mean age 67.2 years; range, 55 to 81 years) who received VA-ECMO for PCCS in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The ECMO device was implanted in the operating room or in the cardiovascular intensive care unit CICU by an experienced cardiovascular surgeon. Air and thrombus formation and blood flow were monitored by the perfusionists. Daily nursing care included monitorization, control of bleeding, sedation management, pain control, nutrition, control of skin integrity and infection, sponge bath, changing the position of endotracheal tube, dressing replacement, decubitus control, changing sheets, and back hygiene.
Results: Two patients who were successfully weaned off VA-ECMO survived to hospital discharge. The median duration of daily nursing care was 62 (range, 45 to 65) min. The longest steps in daily nursing were sponge bath and elevation of the patient. None of the patients suffered from decannulation or displacement of the VA-ECMO cannulas during nursing.
Conclusion: We conclude that nurses are fundamental in the care of VA-ECMO patients for the early diagnosis and intervention of procedure-related complications.
Keywords : Cardiovascular critical care unit, care, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nursing