Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Unstable Trauma Patient

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical support for either (1) the heart and lungs, termed venoarterial (VA) ECMO or (2) the lungs alone, termed venovenous (VV) ECMO. This chapter will focus primarily on the application of VV ECMO in the trauma patient, but will also briefly touch upon the relatively new use of VA ECMO in this population. Basic tenets of circuitry, cannulation strategies, and management will be reviewed.