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.