Indications and physiopathology in venovenous ECMO on severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

In the most severe forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome, profound gas-exchange abnormalities threatening patients’ lives can occur despite using conventional salvage therapies. In this situation, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was developed to rescue these dying patients. ECMOpermit “ultraprotective” mechanical ventilation with further reduction of volume and pressure that might ultimately enhance lung protection and improve clinical outcomes.