Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a temporary support of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Mortality of postcardiotomy ECLS often results from inability to recognize appropriate patients and bridge them to the next therapy before complications. A two-gated strategy for the second bridge transferring was suggested. From January 2003 to January 2008, 72 patients (mean 60 years) received ECLS for PCS. Indicators of cardiac recovery were identified from the physiological responses to ECLS. The optimal ECLS duration for myocardial recovery was defined as the supporting time of survivors. Forty-one patients weaned off ECLS and 29 survived to discharge. The mean duration of ECLS was 130 hours. Twenty- eight of the 29 survivors weaned off ECLS within 7 days. ECLS >100 hours and a refractory phenomenon of persistent hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 70 mm Hg) with a high adrenergic demand (inotropic equivalent score > 35) under a sufficient ECLS (flow > 50 ml x kg x min, SvO(2) > 80%) >24 hours were independent risk factors of ECLS nonweaning. The benefits of adult postcardiotomy ECLS are controversial after a 7-day support. Bridging should be considered in suitable patients having ECLS >7 days or showing instabilities under an adequate ECLS >24 hours. Continuing ECLS poses a higher risk of mortality.