Percutaneous balloon atrial septostomy on top of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation results in safe and effective left heart decompression

64 patients (32 adults and 32 children) on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) requiring left atrial decompression due to pulmonary oedema/haemorrhage and left ventricular distension. Indications included acute myocarditis (31.3%) and non-myocarditis cardiac disease (32.8%).

Percutaneous static balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) (mean balloon diameter 21.8 ± 8.4mm)

Left atrial decompression (measured by reduction in mean left atrial pressure and left-to-right atrial pressure gradient)surrogate