Critical care clinics
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The development of a successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program requires an institutional commitment and the multidisciplinary cooperation of trained specialty personnel from nursing, internal medicine, anesthesiology, pulmonology, emergency medicine, critical care, and surgery and often pediatrics as well. The specialized training necessary to cultivate an integrated team capable of providing life-saving ECMO cannot be underestimated. The development of a successful ECMO program is best suited to a tertiary medical center that is centrally/regionally located and capable of financially supporting the level of expertise required as well as managing the program's overall cost effectiveness.
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Critical care clinics · Oct 2017
ReviewVascular Complications in Extracoporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a rescue therapy in patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure. Often, cannulation is done emergently and the femoral vessels are most readily accessible for venous and arterial access. Unfortunately, complications with arterial femoral access can lead to devastating complications, primarily related to limb ischemia. A coordinated protocol of diligent limb examination by trained intensive care unit staff, near infrared spectroscopy monitoring of limbs, and placement of a distal perfusion catheter at the time of femoral cannulation or when signs of ischemia develop, can lead to successful limb salvage.
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Critical care clinics · Oct 2017
Review Historical ArticleIntroduction to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Renewed interest in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support of critically ill patients has led to a large expansion of its use across the world. This article reviews the long history of ECMO and introduces the early pioneers. The idea of team planning and team work is introduced in this article. There is an emphasis on understanding that ECMO care varies across institutions but is slowly growing to more uniform protocols.
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Critical care clinics · Oct 2017
ReviewExtracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Management: Techniques to Liberate from Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Manage Post-Intensive Care Unit Issues.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique when patients require pulmonary and/or cardiac support for days to weeks for recovery, bridge to decision, or transplantation. Due to complications associated with ECMO, it is best to stay on ECMO as little time as necessary. Foremost is weaning from ECMO, but the post-ECMO period recapitulates the entire field of critical care. Identified issues include (1) potential for systemic inflammatory response syndrome post-decannulation; (2) post-ECMO complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, wounds, renal failure, and stroke; (3) delirium; (4) posttraumatic stress disorder; (5) rehabilitation; and (6) end of life.
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Critical care clinics · Oct 2017
ReviewTransport While on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for severe acute respiratory failure has been increasing. Evidence suggests that higher volume centers have better outcomes, leading to a need for specialized ECMO transport teams. The inherent nature of the prehospital environment adds an additional layer of complexity; however, the experience of multiple centers has demonstrated that cannulating and transporting a patient on ECMO can be performed safely. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the state of knowledge with respect to ECMO transport with special emphasis given to how to actually undertake such complex transports.