Use of a single circuit to provide temporary mechanical respiratory and circulatory support in patients with LV apical thrombus and cardiogenic shock.

INTRODUCTION: Techniques to support patients with cardiogenic shock continue to improve. Patients with intracardiac thrombi pose a potential for additional complications. Novel methods of biventricular support are necessary to manage these patients.

METHODS: Two patients with refractory cardiogenic shock and left ventricular apical thrombi underwent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge to decision, with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation (ECMO). Instead of the conventional LV apical cannulation for LVAD, the left atrium (LA) was cannulated. The LA cannula was then integrated with the ECMO circuit via a 'Y' connection to a percutaneous right atrial cannula, enabling optimal drainage of both sides into one circuit through a single CentriMag® pump and ECMO into the aorta.

RESULTS: The first patient was converted to a durable LVAD and transplanted, while the second patient was explanted, after demonstrating significant LV recovery.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the use of MCS as a bridge to decision in patients with LV thrombi, utilizing biatrial cannulation with a 'Y' connection to drain both right- and left-sided circulation through a single circuit and pump.