Organization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services for COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used for COVID-19 patients with refractory hypoxemia. Methods: We share our institution’s experience in organizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also share our first COVID-19 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation case report. Results: We encountered initial difficulties in providing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services in Singapore in view of the considerations of managing COVID-19 patients. By adopting rigorous planning, patient selection, staff training, adhering to infection control measures and preparing transport essentials, we were able to reorganize the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation services to serve the nation’s needs. This culminated in our first successful COVID-19 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval case. Conclusions: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an option for COVID-19 patients but preparation must be taken to prepare the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation teams to deal with this pandemic and future challenges.