Weaning from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without anticoagulation: Is it possible?

Abstract

A 19-year-old man affected with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that was unresponsive to medical treatment was successfully weaned without anticoagulation therapy from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of life-threatening bleeding. The patient received venovenous ECMO with double peripheral cannulation. Heparin infusion was discontinued on day 10 for severe bleeding from thoracic and mediastinal drainages until the ECMO was removed. The weaning was performed while keeping the blood flow unchanged, only gas flows were gradually decreased. The patient was discontinued from ECMO and extubated after pulmonary function improved. Based on this single experience, management and weaning without any anticoagulant agent might be possible. © 2012 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.