Artificial organs
-
Membrane oxygenator (MO) failure is a known hazard during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (v-v ECMO) therapy. Knowledge about technical and performance details of different ECMO systems (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany; Medos, Stolberg, Germany; Sorin, Modena, Italy) licensed for adults with acute lung failure might improve their handling. This retrospective study comprises 186 adult patients (Regensburg ECMO Registry) treated with v-v ECMO. ⋯ Despite different performances, all current commercially available adult v-v ECMO systems produce adequate blood flow without an increased risk in technical-induced hemolysis. Familiarity with the specific properties of individual systems allows early detection of technical complications. Additionally, the choice of an adequate cannula requires a closer consideration of the individual patient situation.