Table 2.
Selected Patient-related Complications of Extracorporeal Life Support as Reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry, by Cardiac versus Respiratory Indication
| Cardiac Indication | Respiratory Indication | |
|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhagic complications, % | ||
| Gastrointestinal | 4 | 6 |
| Cannula site | 20 | 15 |
| Surgical site | 23 | 14 |
| Hemolysis | 7 | 6 |
| DIC | 4 | 3 |
| Central nervous system complications, % | ||
| Infarct* | 4 | 2 |
| Hemorrhage* | 2 | 4 |
| Pulmonary complications, % | ||
| Pneumothorax requiring treatment | 2 | 11 |
| Pulmonary hemorrhage | 3 | 7 |
| Infectious disease complications, % | ||
| Culture-proven infection | 14 | 18 |
| Musculoskeletal complications, % | ||
| Limb ischemia | <1 | <1 |
| Compartment syndrome | <1 | <1 |
| Fasciotomy | <1 | 0 |
| Amputation | <1 | 0 |
Definition of abbreviations: DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation.
*
As detected by ultrasound or computed tomography.