Results
Among the 951 patients in our database, 572 were included in 3 different
groups according to their pH at implantation: 60 patients in group 1,
115 in group 2 and 397 in group 3. Main indications of mechanical
support were refractory cardiogenic shock (36%), post cardiotomy
(28%), early graft failure (12%), refractory cardiac arrest (11%).
One-year survival rate was 13% in group 1, 36% in group 2, 43% in
group 3 respectively (p<0.001). Death mainly occurred within
the first month. The strong correlation between pH and lactates led to
propose a simple “three seven rule”: pH<7 and lactate
>7 was associated with <7% survival.