The International journal of artificial organs
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Combination of prone positioning (PrP) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might be beneficial in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), because both approaches are recommended. However, PrP during ECMO might be associated with complications such as dislocation of ECMO cannulae. We investigated complications and change of oxygenation effects of PrP during ECMO to identify "responders" and discuss our results considering different definitions of response in the literature. ⋯ Prone position during ECMO is safe and improves oxygenation even after repositioning. This might ameliorate hypoxemia and reduce the harm from mechanical ventilation.