blood oxygenation during VV ECMO

 Q; What is the good determinant of adequate blood oxygenation in a patient on Veno-venous (VV) Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)?

Answer:

It can be easily estimated by knowing the ECMO Blood Flow/Cardiac Output Ratio. Any value above 60% provides adequate blood oxygenation. 

ECMO Blood Flow is the main determinant of arterial oxygenation in VV ECMO. The 'sweep' gas flow rate provides CO2 elimination. In contrast to other situations in ICU, packed Red Blood Cell (pRBC) transfusion is relatively liberal in ECMO patients, as it increases O2 Delivery.

#ECMO

#hemodynamic

Reference:

1. Schmidt M, Tachon G, Devilliers C, et al. Blood oxygenation and decarboxylation determinants during venovenous ECMO for respiratory failure in adults. Intensive Care Med. 2013;39(5):838-846. doi:10.1007/s00134-012-2785-8