Abstract:

To examine the utility and technical challenges of applying veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute cardiovascular failure in adults with acute and chronic causes of heart failure. The role of mechanical circulatory support in acute cardiovascular continues to evolve as technology and clinical experience develop. There is increasing interest in the role of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridging therapy and as an adjunct to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an expensive, complex, resource intensive support. It is essential that its future use be guided by evidence obtained from centres that have demonstrated timely, safe support.

Pellegrino, Hockings, Davies, , , , , , (2014). Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult cardiovascular failure. Current opinion in critical care, 2014 Oct;20(5):484-92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25162822