Concurrent implantation of intra-aortic balloon pumping with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improved survival of patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock

Background Extra-corporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO)and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) are widely used in patients with severe circulatory failure. The decision to initiate ECMO and IABP on optimal occasion in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) remains controversial in the absence of guidelines.