Journal of perinatal medicine
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During twenty animal experiments the effectiveness of the gas exchange during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was evaluated. Arteriovenous, venovenous and venoarterial perfusion systems were compared. ⋯ The absolute values of PCO2 were significantly lowest during venoarterial perfusion (39.68 +/- 3.1 mmHg) compared to the venovenous (42.69 +/- 3.3 mmHg) and the arteriovenous mode (49.96 +/- 4.1 mmHg). These results indicate that perfusion circuits other than the original venoarterial ECMO could provide sufficient gas transfer for respiratory insufficient neonates while avoiding points of criticism of such systems.