Using extracorporeal life support to resuscitate adult postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: Treatment strategies and predictors of short-term and midterm survival

Based on the abovementioned findings, a comprehensive protocol for postcardiotomy ECLS was designed. The primary objective was to achieve adequate hemodynamics within the first 24 h of initiating ECLS. Other objectives of the protocol included a consistent approach to safe anticoagulation while on ECLS, a process to make decisions within 7 days of initiating ECLS, and patient follow-up after hospital discharge.