Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after lung transplant: An ELSO registry analysis.

Summary

In a 2010–2022 ELSO registry analysis of 1,966 adults receiving ECMO >24 hours after lung transplant, 72.3% survived to discharge. ECMO use increased over time with a trend toward improved survival, and higher annual center volume was identified as a predictor in adjusted models.

Key Findings

• Among 1,966 ECMO runs >24 hours after lung transplant, 72.3% of patients survived to discharge.
• ECMO utilization increased steadily across 2010–2022, with a trend toward improving survival.
• Multivariable logistic regression identified center-level factors, including higher annual center volume (reported OR 0.97 in excerpt), as predictors of survival.

Clinical Implications

Supports referral to experienced centers and informs expectations for survival after ECMO in post–lung transplant respiratory failure; may guide resource allocation and quality metrics.

Limitations

• Observational registry design with potential residual confounding and selection bias
• Abstract excerpt is truncated; full list of predictors and effect sizes not available here

Future Directions

Define center-level best practices and minimum volume thresholds; link registry with granular clinical and ECMO configuration data to refine risk models.