Prolonged waitlisting is associated with mortality in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported heart transplantation candidates
Taylor Nordan, Andre C. Critsinelis, Amanda R. Vest, Yijing Zhang, Frederick Y. Chen, Gregory S. Couper, Masashi Kawabori
Abstract
Objective: Heart transplantation (HTx) candidates supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be listed at highest status 1 but are at inherent risk for ECMO-related complications. The effect of waitlist time on postlisting survival remains unclear in candidates with ECMO support who are listed using the new allocation system. Methods: Adult candidates listed with ECMO for a first-time, single-organ HTx from October 18, 2018, to March 21, 2021, in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database were included and stratified according to waitlist time (≤7 vs ≥8 days). Postlisting outcomes were compared between cohorts. Results: = .87). Conclusions: Among ECMO-supported candidates, obtaining HTx within 1 week of listing might improve overall survival.