Post-infarction ventricular septal defect with cardiogenic shock: peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator as a bridge to surgery

We present a patient with post-infarction posterior ventricular septal defect complicated by cardiogenic shock who was transferred after percutaneous coronary revascularization. A peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was placed as a bridge to definite treatment to stabilize his condition. Patch closure of the ventricular septal defect and tricuspid valve replacement were performed successfully with right atrial approach 3 days after the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) placement and 11 days after the myocardial infarction. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was successfully weaned off intraoperatively and the patient was discharged without complications.