ABSTRACT
The importance of developing an artificial means to oxygenate blood and perfuse the body, and their potential benefits to mankind were postulated as early as the 17th century. The modern artificial circulatory devices which are capable of tackling life-threatening conditions are powerful tools in the medical armamentarium. The painstaking research which paved the way for these technologies spanned over a century. The introduction of cardiopulmonary bypass heralded the development and worldwide adoption of open-heart surgery in the last 70 years. The ability to support the failing heart and lungs has averted early deaths for tens of thousands of patients. The recent severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic is the latest example of how the use of respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been catapulted to unprecedented levels. This chapter takes the reader on a brief journey through some of the key historical developments that underpinned the successes of these medical innovations. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support of the respiratory system has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Historically used as rescue therapy, the treatment is now being utilized earlier in the disease course, and its indications for use expanded. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further increased the experience of ECMO centres and expanded the body of evidence. This article will review the physiology of veno-venous (V-V) ECMO, con-trol of oxygenation and carbon dioxide, principal equipment, patient se-lection and timing, complications and weaning from V-V ECMO.
ABSTRACT
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support of the respiratory system has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Historically used as rescue therapy, the treatment is now being utilized earlier in the disease course, and its indications for use expanded. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further increased the experience of ECMO centres and expanded the body of evidence. This article will review the physiology of veno-venous (V-V) ECMO, control of oxygenation and carbon dioxide, principal equipment, patient selection and timing, complications and weaning from V-V ECMO.