Coagulation and hemolysis complications in neonatal ECLS: Role of devices

Neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has enjoyed a long history of successful patient support for both cardiac and respiratory failure. The small size of this patient population has provided many technical challenges from cannulation to pumps and oxygenators. This is further complicated by the relatively meager commercial options for equipment owing to the relatively low utilization of neonatal ECLS compared to adults, which has exploded following the H1N1 epidemic and the availability of the polymethylpentene oxygenator. This paper focuses on the impact of equipment choices on thrombosis and hemolysis in neonatal ECLS and the underlying mechanisms behind them. Based upon the available evidence, it is clear neonatal ECLS requires careful attention to the selection and operation of all parts of the ECLS system. Practitioners should also be aware of the factors that increase blood cell fragility, which can impact decisions around equipment and subsequent operation.