Thoratec CentriMag for Temporary Treatment of Refractory Cardiogenic Shock or Severe Cardiopulmonary Insufficiency: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate effect of CentriMag
heart pump (Thoratec Corporation) as temporary ventricular assist device
(VAD) and part of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system on
outcomes in patients with cardiac or cardiac-respiratory failure. A
systematic search was conducted in five databases for the period 2003 to
2012. Fifty-three publications with data for 999 patients, supported
with CentriMag, were included. In 72% studies, CentriMag was used as a
VAD and in 25% as part of ECMO circuit. Mean duration of VAD support was
25.0 days in precardiotomy group, 10.9 days in postcardiac surgery
cardiogenic shock group, 8.8 days in post-transplant graft failure and
rejection group, and 16.0 days in post-LVAD placement right ventricular
failure group. Survival on support was 82% (95% CI 70-92) for VAD
support in precardiotomy cardiogenic shock indication, 63% (95% CI
46-78) in VAD support in postcardiac surgery cardiogenic shock
indication, 62% (95% CI 46-76) in VAD support in post-transplant graft
rejection or failure indication, and 83% (95% CI 73-92) in VAD support
in post-LVAD placement right ventricular failure indication. CentriMag
is an effective technology for temporary support of patients with
cardiac and cardiorespiratory failure.