Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Sickle Cell Disease for Urgent Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most common genetic diseases, with a recent increase in life expectancy. Patients may therefore need similar surgical procedures as does the general population, including cardiac surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass is a homeostasis challenge for SCD patients, with high risk of vasoocclusive crisis. In the most severe cases of cardiogenic shock, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be required, with prolonged exposure to extreme nonphysiological conditions. We report a case of postcardiotomy shock in an SCD patient successfully managed with VA-ECMO. This highlights that SCD should not be a counterindication to VA-ECMO, pending multidisciplinary management.