Background: Low Cardiac Output Syndrome (LCOS) is well described in the early postoperative period following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a needed rescue. The threshold for proactive ECMO versus risking compressions to ECMO (eCPR) varies.

Hypothesis: Patients undergoing ECMO for LCOS without compressions versus eCPR, will have better outcomes including lower mortality and complications and decreased LOS in survivors.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of multi-center results using the PC4 database.

Primary Outcome: hospital mortality

Secondary outcome: major complications in survivors.

Impact Statement: Potential to guide practice with regards to indications for ECMO prior to eCPR for LCOS.

ECMO started in the OR Centers that do not provide eCPR.

Amjad earned his MD from the University of Jordan in Amman, before completing his pediatric residency at Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Currently, he is pursuing a Pediatric Critical Care fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, USA. Following this, he plans to undertake an additional year of pediatric cardiac critical care training.