Long-term mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac assist after cardiovascular surgery.

Purpose Information on predisposing risk factors influencing long-term survival after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support remains scarce. In critically ill patients chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity. We assessed the influence of COPD on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing ECMO therapy.