VA-ECMO in high-risk pulmonary embolism: outcomes and role as bridge to recovery

VA-ECMO achieved a 57.1% survival to discharge, consistent with prior studies. No significant survival differences were found between patients with or without cardiac arrest, pre-ECMO thrombolysis, or mobile versus in-hospital ECMO. Thrombolysis increased bleeding without improving outcomes. Mobile ECMO provided rapid support with comparable survival rates. Half the survivors recovered without adjunctive therapies, highlighting ECMO's role as a bridge to recovery. Larger studies are needed to optimize protocols.