A Viability Index (VI) score taken prior to intervention can predict the survival potential in patients with reversible conditions. For example, if a patient’s VI score is 16 or less prior to initiation of ECMO the risk of dying is less than 10%. By contrast, if the VI score is 32 or greater the risk of dying is 90%. Subsequent VI scores indicate if the patient is improving (resolution of shock) or worsening. If a lethal anatomic lesion is present, such as irreparable congenital heart disease or fibrotic lung disease, maintenance of the VI in a survivable range will be of no benefit in terms of reversing the disease. However maintaining such a patient in a survivable VI range may reduce any morbidity that would rule the patient out as a possible transplant candidate.
Perfusion Theory is an educational platform for the Oxygen Pressure Field Theory (OPFT). August Krogh’s theoretical concept of the oxygen pressure field is explained and then applied to clinical applications in perfusion practice.