Introduction
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important technology,
which can be used for severe heart failure [1-2].
Since the first successful ECMO application in a newborn in
1975[3], more than 85,000 neonates treated with
ECMO have been reported to extracorporeal life support organization
(ELSO) nowadays. In China, ECMO has been practiced for two decades, but
most patients are adults. As more children undergoing cardiac surgery
may require ECMO support for cardio-respiratory failure[4],pediatric ECMO applications have increased
and reported in recent years. However, among the numerous studies
investigating the utility and risk factors associated with ECMO in
pediatric cardiac patients, few specifically address patients with
neonate heart disease. In this study, we conducted a retrospective
review of neonates who undergone ECMO at Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center (SCMC) and summarized the clinical application of ECMO in
treatment of heart failure after neonatal cardiac surgery.