Current status of routine use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during lung transplantation

Introduction: Recently, there has been growing experience with utilizing a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA ECMO) routinely during lung transplantation procedures. Yet, there is a lack of consensus on the protocols, benefits, and outcomes of routine VA ECMO use in lung transplantation.

Areas covered: This article presents an overview of the current status of routine use of VA ECMO during lung transplantation, including rationale, protocols, applications, and outcomes.

Expert opinion: Utilization of VA ECMO during lung transplantation has emerged as an alternative mechanical circulatory support modality to cardiopulmonary bypass, with growing evidence showing lower rates of peri-operative complications. Some groups took that further into routine application of VA ECMO during lung transplantation. The current available evidence suggests that routine utilization of VA ECMO during lung transplantation is associated with lower rates of primary graft dysfunction and improved early outcomes. Use of VA ECMO allows controlled reperfusion of the allograft and avoids an unplanned "crash" on pump in case of hemodynamic instability, which carries worse outcomes after lung transplantation. As a relatively new approach, further follow-up of growing experience, as well as prospective clinical trials, is necessary to develop a consensus about routine utilization of VA ECMO during lung transplantation.