Managing patients with post-ischaemic ventricular septal defects (VSD) and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock can be extremely challenging in a low-volume cardiac surgery unit. We present a case of a 68-year-old patient who received veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support due to cardiogenic shock after VSD repair. The patient was successfully weaned off support after 86 h. In the postoperative period, mediastinitis occurred, and negative pressure wound therapy was instituted.
Keywords: Cardiogenic shock; ECMO; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Mediastinitis; Ventricular septal defect.
© The Author(s), published by EDP Sciences, 2023.