الفهرس 
ECMO: history, physiology and principlesOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Once it has been determined that ECMO will be initiated, the patient is anticoagulated with intravenous heparin. Cannulae are then inserted and the patient is connected to the ECMO circuit. The blood flow is increased until respiratory and hemodynamic parameters are satisfactory. Once the initial respiratory and hemodynamic goals have been achieved, blood flow is maintained, ventilator support is minimized, and vasoactive drugs are decreased to minimal levels. Frequent reassessment and adjustments are usually necessary.
The patient’s readiness for weaning from ECMO should be evaluated frequently. Prior to discontinuing ECMO permanently, one or more trials should be performed during which the patient is off ECMO. Such trials give the clinician the opportunity to determine whether conventional supportive care is sufficient for the patient.
Bleeding is the most common complication (30 to 40 percent) of ECMO. Thromboembolism and cannula complications are rare.