Modifying a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit to reduce recirculation

Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Jan;69(1):298-9. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(99)01227-8.

Abstract

Lung rest is the primary goal of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure. To achieve this there has to be adequate extracorporeal flow. This can be achieved by a two-cannula technique in most cases. In some cases, extra flow is either not achievable or causes excessive recirculation. We report 8 patients in whom we achieved adequate blood and oxygen delivery using a three-cannula technique. Five patients survived (62.5%).

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Blood Circulation / physiology
  • Cardiac Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / instrumentation*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiology
  • Male
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange / physiology
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Oxygen