A 2007 survey of extracorporeal life support members: Personnel and equipment

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to support patients with cardiopulmonary failure in the intensive care unit. The purpose of this study is to determine what professional qualifications, equipment, and tests are used by established ECMO programs registered with the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). A survey link (Survey-Monkey) was e-mailed to the 110 registered ELSO program coordinators. Forty-nine responses were received. A test of binomial portions showed that nurses were more likely to be ECMO providers than respiratory therapists or perfusionists ( p < .05). A χ2 test identified a difference in the type of pump (roller or centrifugal) based on patient age ( p