In patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock, which clinical factors predict successful weaning?

A best evidence topic in surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was which clinical parameters predicted successful weaning of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A total of 301 papers were found using the reported search; the nine representing the best evidence to answer the question were evaluated. Most of the studies were small-volume prospective or registry studies, and none were randomized. We provide evidence-based criteria to assist in selecting patients for discontinuation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.