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The Role of Echocardiography in the Management of Patients Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

2011; Elsevier BV; Volume: 25; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.echo.2011.11.009

1097-6795

D. Platts, J. Sedgwick, D. Burstow, Daniel V. Mullany, John F. Fraser,

Cardiac Structural Anomalies and Repair

Extracorporeal life support can be viewed as a spectrum of modalities based on modifications of a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to provide cardiac and respiratory support, which can be used for extended periods, from hours to several weeks. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is among the most frequently used forms of extracorporeal life support. It can be configured for venovenous blood flow, to provide adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal in isolated refractory respiratory failure, or in a venoarterial configuration, when support is required for cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography plays a fundamental role throughout the entire journey of a patient supported on ECMO. It provides information that assists in patient selection, guides the insertion and placement of cannulas, monitors progress, detects complications, and helps in determining cardiac recovery and the weaning of ECMO support. Although there are extensive published data regarding ECMO, particularly in the pediatric population, there is a paucity of data outlining the role of echocardiography in guiding the management of adult patients supported by ECMO. ECMO is likely to become an increasingly used form of cardiorespiratory support within the critical care setting. Hence, clinicians and sonographers who work within echocardiography departments at institutions with ECMO programs require specific skills to image these patients. Extracorporeal life support can be viewed as a spectrum of modalities based on modifications of a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to provide cardiac and respiratory support, which can be used for extended periods, from hours to several weeks. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is among the most frequently used forms of extracorporeal life support. It can be configured for venovenous blood flow, to provide adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal in isolated refractory respiratory failure, or in a venoarterial configuration, when support is required for cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography plays a fundamental role throughout the entire journey of a patient supported on ECMO. It provides information that assists in patient selection, guides the insertion and placement of cannulas, monitors progress, detects complications, and helps in determining cardiac recovery and the weaning of ECMO support. Although there are extensive published data regarding ECMO, particularly in the pediatric population, there is a paucity of data outlining the role of echocardiography in guiding the management of adult patients supported by ECMO. ECMO is likely to become an increasingly used form of cardiorespiratory support within the critical care setting. Hence, clinicians and sonographers who work within echocardiography departments at institutions with ECMO programs require specific skills to image these patients. CorrectionJournal of the American Society of EchocardiographyVol. 25Issue 4PreviewIn the article entitled "The Role of Echocardiography in the Management of Patients Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation" by Platts et al (J Am Echocardiogr 2012;25:131-41), there was an error in Figure 8's legend. The legend should read "Septostomy balloon being inflated across the interatrial septum under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance." Full-Text PDF Contraindications to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Are There Any Absolutes?Journal of the American Society of EchocardiographyVol. 25Issue 6PreviewI applaud David Platts and colleagues1 on their comprehensive, timely, and well-written review outlining the role of echocardiography in the assessment of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Given that cardiologists are often involved in the initial assessment and management of these critically ill and unstable patients, I would like to comment that the contraindications discussed are rarely absolute. As experience grows with unusual or complex cases, particularly in otherwise young and previously healthy patients facing impending death, clearly each case needs to be individualized. Full-Text PDF