Hypoxia and Complications of Oxygenation in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION (ECMO) use is increasing annually at a rapid rate. 1. Extracorporeal Life Support OrganizationECLS Registry Report. https://www.elso.org/Registry/Statistics/InternationalSummary.aspxDate: 2017 Google Scholar According to data reported by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), outcomes for ECMO have shown steady improvement over the past decade. 1. Extracorporeal Life Support OrganizationECLS Registry Report. https://www.elso.org/Registry/Statistics/InternationalSummary.aspxDate: 2017 Google Scholar Much like the evolution of the equipment used for ECMO has improved the durability of the circuits, increased numbers of patients managed with ECMO have yielded a better understanding of its complications and management. One of the common complications in patients on ECMO is hypoxia, which can be multifactorial, challenging to detect, and difficult to treat. In this review, the physiology and management of hypoxia in patients on ECMO are discussed