Friday June 18, 2010
Differences Between Venoarterial and Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Venoarterial ECMO

• Higher PaO2 is achieved
• Lower perfusion rates are needed.
• Bypasses pulmonary circulation
• Decreases pulmonary artery pressures
• Provides cardiac support to assist systemic circulation
• Requires arterial cannulation

Venovenous ECMO

• Lower PaO2 is achieved.
• Higher perfusion rates are needed.
• Maintains pulmonary blood flow
• Elevates mixed venous PO2
• Does not provide cardiac support to assist systemic circulation
• Requires only venous cannulation