Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: The impact of cannulation strategy on survival.

Peripheral ECMO was associated with an increased risk of limb ischemia; however, bleeding, blood transfusion, infection, and 30-day mortality were comparable to central ECMO. Central cannulation was associated with a better 1-year survival rate. Therefore, central cannulation might be the preferred strategy for patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.