Background: We retrospectively evaluated the early and intermediate results of use of temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and examined its effect on quality of life (QOL). Methods: Over four years 62 of 12,644 patients (0.49%) undergoing cardiac surgery (valve procedures, n = 39; coronary artery bypass grafting, n = 13; coronary artery bypass grafting plus valve procedures, n = 4; heart transplantation, n = 4; and total aortic arch replacement, n = 2) required temporary postoperative ECMO support. During a follow-up study (mean 2.3 ± 1.5 years, 100% complete), 32 were still alive and answered the Short-Form 36 Health Survey QOL questionnaire. Results: The mean duration of ECMO support was 61 ± 37 hours. Forty patients (64.5%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. Thirty-four patients (54.8%) were discharged from the hospital after 44.3 ± 17.6 days. The in-hospital mortality rate was 45.2% and the main cause of death was multiple organ failure. A risk factor for in-hospital death was a peak lactate level greater than 12 mol/L before ECMO initiation. There were few significant differences in the mean QOL scores between the ECMO survivors and other patients who had undergone cardiac surgery without ECMO support; only the measures of vitality and mental health were significantly lower in the ECMO survivors (p < 0.05). Both the ECMO survivors and the patients who did not receive ECMO support had significantly lower QOL scores (except for vitality and mental health) than the general Chinese population (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an acceptable technique for the treatment of postoperative cardiogenic shock in adults, although early intervention and reduced complications could improve results. However, the use of ECMO has little influence on QOL. © 2009 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.