Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for right ventricular failure following pericardiectomy

We report the case of a 61-year-old gentleman who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. Constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed through echocardiogram, computed tomography chest and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. An elective decision was made for commencing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) immediately postoperatively to prevent significant right ventricular failure (RVF). Postoperatively, the patient remained on ECMO for 4 days in a stable condition, showing no further signs of RVF. Venoarterial ECMO may be of use as an elective adjunct in cases at high risk of RVF following pericardiectomy.