Perfusion
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During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the large contact surface between the blood and the extracorporeal circuit causes a continuous activation of coagulation and inflammation. Unfractionated heparin, a glycosaminoglycan that must bind to antithrombin as a cofactor, is currently the standard anticoagulant adopted during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Antithrombin, beyond being a potent natural anticoagulant, acts in the cross-talk between coagulation and inflammatory system through anticoagulation and coagulation-independent effects. ⋯ Antithrombin use in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be investigated on the threshold for supplementation, dose, and time of administration.
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Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal means the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood across a gas exchange membrane without substantially improving oxygenation. Carbon dioxide removal is possible with substantially less extracorporeal blood flow than needed for oxygenation. Techniques for extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal include (1) pumpless arterio-venous circuits, (2) low-flow venovenous circuits based on the technology of continuous renal replacement therapy, and (3) venovenous circuits based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology. ⋯ Complications of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal are mostly associated with vascular access and deranged hemostasis leading to bleeding. Although the spectrum of complications may differ, no technology offers advantages with respect to rate and severity of complications. So called "high-extraction systems" working with higher blood flows and larger membranes may be more effective with respect to clinical goals.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious health concern which affects all healthcare professionals worldwide. The pandemic puts health services, including cardiac surgery units, under escalating pressure. There are significant challenges caused by this novel virus and ensuing disease that leads to great uncertainty. ⋯ Preparation for managing these patients will require a change in the current modalities for perioperative care. Therefore, the goal of this report is to share our own experiences, combined with a review of the emerging literature, by highlighting principles for the adult cardiac surgery community regarding treatment of patients scheduled for surgery. The following report will recommend perioperative guidance in patient management to include safety precautions for the heart team, the conduct of extracorporeal circulation and related equipment, and covering the early period in intensive care in the context of the current pandemic.
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The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) coronavirus has emerged as a highly contagious respiratory pathogen causing severe acute lung injury. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a standard tool for the management of life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome, but the use of this resource-intensive therapy has come into question due to strained medical systems and limited proven treatments for COVID-19. ⋯ We report the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung recovery in a pediatric patient with severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19.
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Methylprednisolone has been used for acute respiratory distress syndrome with variable results. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in acute respiratory distress syndrome has increased. Occasionally, both are used. We hypothesized that methylprednisolone could improve lung compliance and ease weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. ⋯ Methylprednisolone may be associated with improved compliance in acute respiratory distress syndrome allowing for decannulation from veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. High rates of infection are associated with methylprednisolone use in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Further studies are required to identify appropriate patient selection for methylprednisolone use in patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.