How many lives are saved by ECMO in refractory cardiogenic shock ?
March 3, 2026 by dr s venkatesan
How many lives are saved by ECMO in refractory cardiogenic shock following STEMI ?
A. Substantial
B. Many
C.Atleaset few
D. None
E. It may even Increase the fatality
Answer
While rhe popualr answer swings between A to D , depending upon the optimism and belief system of cardiologsts.
However, the near correct answer is D. While C is quiet possible, E also is much more possible.
Postamble
*ECMO and other MCS devices, in my semi-scientiifc ( & arrogant) opinion, are primarily guilt-relieving or pride-conferring toolkits for the patient’s family and cardiologists, struck by extreme science, respectively.
Reference
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01607-0/abstract
