Basics
A temporary measure to allow the lungs and heart to recover, when other conventional measures are no longer adequate in supporting life
ECMO
Nursing responsibilities during initiation of ecmo and the cannulation process
Pre cannulation
During cannulation
Post cannulation
The two types of ECMO
Venovenous and Venoarterial
Two things to monitor when patient is on ECMO
Anticoagulation
Limb Ischemia
Skin care
Pain/Sedation
Mobilization
The difference between VV and VA ECMO
VV-ECMO provides gas exchange only. The cannulas drains from the vein and reinfuse in the vein
VA-ECMO provides both gas exchange and circulatory support. The cannulas drains from a vein and reinfuse into an artery
List 4 potential complications
Hemorrhage
Thrombosis
Hemolysis
Thrombocytopenia
Infection
Limb ischemia
Cardiac/vascular perforation
Conditions that are contraindicated for ECMO
Known poor prognosis
Severe organ dysfunction
Aortic dissections
Non-transplant candidates
T/F
CPR is required during both VA and VV-ECMO if there is a cardiac arrest
False.
CPR not necessary in VA-ECMO
Indications for ECMO
VV - ARDS, hypercapnic respiratory failure despite ventilatory support, provide rest for the lungs, influenza, pneumonia, lung transplant
VA - decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, unable to wean off cardiopulmonary bypass, bridging to LVAD or transplant