Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) and Related Support Strategies

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)) is a cornerstone of cardiac critical careCardiac critical care, allowing for the cardiopulmonary support of tenuous physiology in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases of managing patients with cardiac disease. ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is characterized by complex interactions between dynamic patient physiology and biomedical engineering. This chapter will discuss the different modes of ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and their application in neonates and childrenChildren with congenital and acquired heart disease. This chapter will also provide an overview of patient physiology while on ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), including the management of vasoactive medication, anticoagulationAnticoagulation, and mechanical ventilation. An overview will be provided on common ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) complications and methods for troubleshooting circuitCircuit dysfunction. Strategies for weaning ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and patient outcomes after ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are included. This chapter is not intended to be a comprehensive review, rather it should be used as a guide to understand and manage the patient and ECMOExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuitCircuit at the bedside.