Treatment of Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia in the Setting of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Orthotopic Heart Transplant
Case report details treatment approach for HIT during ECMO in patients awaiting heart transplant, suggesting effective strategies.
Key Points
This report aims to highlight the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients supported by venoarterial ECMO during the heart transplant process.
Presented cases of two patients with HIT while on VA-ECMO support for cardiogenic shock
Utilized a novel plasma exchange strategy to manage HIT
Focused on the anticoagulation challenges during the transplant process.
Patients successfully stabilized under plasma exchange treatment during the heart transplant waitlist period
Demonstrated improvement in platelet counts and reduction in thrombotic events
No reported mortality related to HIT during ECMO support.