Case of the Month #11 - VV ECMO

Published 02/02/2022

Key Take Home Messages

  • Discuss potential patients for ECMO early with a severe respiratory failure centre
  • Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides oxygenation and decarboxylation facilitating lung rest.
  • A systematic approach is required in troubleshooting both the circuit and patient to identify the cause of hypoxaemia in VV ECMO.
  • Get help early especially if cannula manipulation required or circuit dysfunction.