Chaudhary, S

Abstract Background Lung transplantation remains the accepted treatment modality of choice for life-threatening advanced lung disease due to established benefits of improving survival and functional status of the patients. However, the annual mortality of lung waitlist candidates remains high, reflecting ongoing donor-recipient mismatches and prolonged wait times. Modalities such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have been effectively used as a “bridge to transplant” (BTT) in high-risk patients on waitlist. Objective To evaluate trends in ECMO utilization, waitlist dynamics, and outcomes among lung transplant candidates between 2018 and 2024, with emphasis on the use of ECMO as a bridge to transplantation. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all ECMO runs performed between 2018 to 2024 at the Mayo Clinic Florida Hospital. Among these, patients who underwent evaluation for lung transplantation were identified, and their waitlisting patterns, transplant outcomes, and peri-transplant ECMO status were described. Results Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 348 ECMO runs were recorded among 293 patients. Annual ECMO runs increased steadily from 17 in 2018 to 83 in 2024 (2019: 33, 2020: 30, 2021: 61, 2022: 56, 2023: 68, 2024: 83). Out of these patients, 142 underwent evaluation for lung transplantation and 133 (93.67%) were placed on the waitlist. Among waitlisted patients, 105 (78.9%) were listed before ECMO initiation, 23 (17.3%) during ECMO, and 5 (3.8%) after decannulation. Waitlist outcomes included 116 (87.2%) transplanted, 16 (12.0%) deaths before transplant, and 1 (0.8%) clinical improvement precluding transplant. Among 116 transplanted patients, 36 patients (31.03%) received ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation. The annual patients bridged with ECMO demonstrated a progressive rise: 1 (2019), 3 (2020), 9 (2021), 6 (2022), 9 (2023), and 8 (2024). Among these 36 patients, 29 (80.56%) remained on ECMO support in the immediate post-transplant period. At the latest follow-up, mortality among BTT recipients was 9 (25%). Conclusion ECMO utilization has expanded substantially over the past several years reflecting its expanding role in supporting critically ill patients. There has been increased utilization of ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation in order to support high risk candidates awaiting donor organs. The post-transplant mortality among BTT recipients was 25%, which highlights the importance of peri-transplant management to optimize long-term outcomes in this high-risk cohort. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Background Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is an uncommon but devastating complication of Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Peripheral femoral cannulation, while rapidly deployable, may compromise spinal cord perfusion. We report a case of thoracolumbar spinal cord ischemia presenting as paraplegia with cauda equina enhancement in a patient on femoral VA-ECMO. Case Presentation A 57-year-old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (EF 30%), atrial fibrillation on apixaban, and ICD (2023) suffered a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest requiring 45 minutes of CPR before return of spontaneous circulation. Peripheral femoral-femoral VA-ECMO was initiated, complicated by left femoral artery injury requiring repair. He was supported with the right axillary Impella 5.5 and listed UNOS Status 1 for heart transplantation. On ECMO day 5, the patient developed acute bilateral lower extremity weakness with preserved sensation and allodynia of the soles. Neurologic exam demonstrated flaccid paralysis below the quadriceps, consistent with a T12 motor level (ASIA C). Given his prolonged low-flow state and ECMO configuration, spinal cord ischemia was suspected. Hemodynamic augmentation and conversion of ECMO drainage from femoral to left subclavian were performed, along with corticosteroids. Following orthotopic heart transplantation on 8/8/2025, MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed thickening, clumping, and enhancement of the cauda equina nerve roots without cord infarction. CSF analysis was negative for infection or inflammation, supporting an ischemic etiology. Despite rehabilitation and neuropathic pain management with pregabalin, lower extremity weakness persisted. He was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation with residual paraplegia. Discussion SCI is a rare neurological complication of femoral VA-ECMO, likely resulting from compromised spinal perfusion due to retrograde aortic flow, vascular injury, or systemic hypoperfusion during cardiac arrest. Post-ischemic cauda equina enhancement may reflect reperfusion-related breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. Conclusion This case underscores the need for early recognition of spinal cord ischemia in ECMO-supported patients with new-onset paraplegia. Maintaining adequate mean arterial pressure, minimizing femoral arterial compromise, and early reevaluation of cannulation strategy may mitigate irreversible neurologic injury. This abstract is funded by: None