Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Review

Abstract

The history of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is summarized. The adult and pediatric experiences are described, but emphasis is placed on the development of neonatal ECMO, now an accepted therapy for newborns with severe respiratory failure. The technical aspects of neonatal ECMO are outlined, as are the clinical criteria for its use. Experience at Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, DC, is reported. Promising new technological developments, and their implications for future applications of neonatal ECMO, are presented.

Elective Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Improved Perioperative Technique in the Treatment of Tracheal Obstruction

“…The studies involved critically ill patients who were presumed to be terminally ill without the use of ECMO; thus, even modest survival rates were deemed suecesses. 9 ,l l The reported uses of ECMO in neonates have included treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension, meconium aspiration, diaphragmatic hernia, sepsis, and respiratory distress syndrome.9, II Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be either arteriovenous (cannulation of a major artery and vein) or venovenous (cannulation of 2 major veins). Blood is delivered through a semipermeable membrane in which oxygen transfer takes place.…”