Transport While on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for severe acute respiratory failure has been increasing. Evidence suggests that higher volume centers have better outcomes, leading to a need for specialized ECMO transport teams. The inherent nature of the prehospital environment adds an additional layer of complexity; however, the experience of multiple centers has demonstrated that cannulating and transporting a patient on ECMO can be performed safely. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the state of knowledge with respect to ECMO transport with special emphasis given to how to actually undertake such complex transports.

Keywords: Critical care transport; Extracorporeal life support (ECLS); Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); Medical evacuation; Pre-hospital.