Ethical Dilemma: Offering Short-Term Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Terminally Ill Children Who Are Not Candidates for Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support Or Heart Transplantation

Abstract

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in terminally ill pediatric patients who are not candidates for long-term mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation requires careful deliberation. We present the case of a 16-year-old female with a relapse of acute lymphoid leukemia and acute-on-chronic cardiomyopathy who received short-term ECMO therapy. In addition, we highlight several ethical considerations that were crucial to this patient's family-centered care and demonstrate that this therapy can be accomplished in a manner that respects patient autonomy and family wishes. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.