Cox proportional hazards regression for preoperative parameters
For multivariable Cox regression analysis, age, BMI, INTERMACS profile 1, history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, baseline disease, preoperative va-ECMO, creatinine, MELD score, ESM index, and HU of the ESM were evaluated (Table 2) . Regarding the in-hospital mortality and MACE, the MELD score, as well as the preoperative va-ECMO implantation, were significant predictive factors in this study (in-hospital mortality: MELD score, p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] 1.1, confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.14; preoperative va-ECMO, p < 0.01, HR 2.72, CI 1.32–5.59. MACE: MELD score, p < 0.001, HR 1.07, CI 1.03–1.11; preoperative va-ECMO, p < 0.005, HR 2.62, CI 1.39–4.90). However, no predictive factors were found for the follow-up survival rate. ESM mass, i.e., ESM index and HU of the ESM, indicated no effect on the postoperative clinical outcomes.