tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
The H1N1 flu pandemic led to a rediscovery of the extracorporeal support, proving its power in hypoxemic emergencies and providing evidence that the transport of patients with life threatening hypoxemia may be safely accomplished after extracorporeal respiratory support has been started in the hospital of origin. Clinical results during the flu pandemic (survival rate around 70%) , more than whatever randomized trial, led to a worldwide acceptance of the use of membrane lungs.
The indications for ECMO nowadays are actually enlarged towards bridging to lung transplant, correcting lung hyperinflation in COPD and, possibly, to provide respiratory support in ARDS even without intubation. The actual enthusiasm for this technique in its various aspects, however, should not obscure the consideration of possible lethal and unpredictable complications such as brain hemorrhage.
Author: Luciano GattinoniEleonora CarlessoThomas Langer
Credits/Source: Critical Care 2011, 15:243
Published on: 2011-12-08
http://7thspace.com/headlines/401628/clinical_review_extracorporeal_membrane_oxygenation.html
The indications for ECMO nowadays are actually enlarged towards bridging to lung transplant, correcting lung hyperinflation in COPD and, possibly, to provide respiratory support in ARDS even without intubation. The actual enthusiasm for this technique in its various aspects, however, should not obscure the consideration of possible lethal and unpredictable complications such as brain hemorrhage.
Author: Luciano GattinoniEleonora CarlessoThomas Langer
Credits/Source: Critical Care 2011, 15:243
Published on: 2011-12-08
http://7thspace.com/headlines/401628/clinical_review_extracorporeal_membrane_oxygenation.html