The role of ECMO in acute intrapartum or postpartum events during cesarean section: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Peripartum obstetric emergencies, such as amniotic fluid embolism, massive hemorrhage or peripartum cardiomyopathy, can result in hemodynamic collapse and multi-organ failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers temporary cardiopulmonary support by facilitating gas exchange and circulatory support in above situations. This review aims to evaluate the role and outcomes of ECMO use during acute intrapartum or early postpartum hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing Caesarean section.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Central databases to identify relevant studies published up to January 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed case reports and case series describing the use of ECMO in obstetric patients experiencing hemodynamic collapse during or within 24 h of Caesarean section. Exclusion criteria included non-obstetric patients, ECMO initiated beyond the early postpartum period, and studies without outcome data. A total of 18 publications reporting on 20 individual patients were included.

Results

Amniotic fluid embolism was the most frequently reported indication for ECMO use. The mean duration of ECMO support was 4.2 days. Twelve patients required mechanical ventilation for a mean of 15.3 days. Maternal survival was high, with only one reported death. Ten patients experienced uneventful recoveries. Among the survivors, four reported neurological sequelae, such as weakness and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in the obstetric population for hemodynamic collapse during or immediately following Caesarean section is associated with good maternal survival to discharge. Despite the severity of presentation, maternal survival to hospital discharge was favorable. Further prospective studies are needed to better define patient selection, timing, and long-term outcomes in this population.