Improving ECMO therapy: Monitoring oxygenator functionality and identifying key indicators, factors, and considerations for changeout.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal timing for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit change-out is crucial for the successful management of patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure. This comprehensive review examines the various factors that influence the timing of oxygenator replacement in the ECMO circuit. By considering these factors, clinicians can make informed decisions to ensure timely and effective change-out, enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing the delivery of ECMO therapy. METHODOLOGY: A thorough search of relevant studies on ECMO circuits and oxygenator change-out was conducted using multiple scholarly databases and relevant keywords. Studies published between 2017 and 2023 were included, resulting in 40 studies that met the inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: Thrombosis within the membrane oxygenator and its impact on dysfunction were identified as significant contributors, highlighting the importance of monitoring coagulation parameters and gas exchange. Several factors, including fibrinogen levels, pre and post-membrane blood gases, plasma-free hemoglobin, D-dimers, platelet function, flows and pressures, and anticoagulation strategy, were found to be important considerations when determining the need for an oxygenator or circuit change-out. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team and thorough preparation were also highlighted as crucial aspects of this process. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, managing circuit change-outs in ECMO therapy requires considering factors such as fibrinogen levels, blood gases, plasma-free hemoglobin, D-dimers, platelet function, flows, pressures, and anticoagulation strategy. Monitoring these parameters allows for early detection of issues, timely interventions, and optimized ECMO therapy. Standardized protocols, personalized anticoagulation approaches, and non-invasive monitoring techniques can improve the safety and effectiveness of circuit change-outs. Further research and collaboration are needed to advance ECMO management and enhance patient outcomes.

Computational Analysis of the Effects of Fiber Deformation on the Microstructure and Permeability of Blood Oxygenator Bundles.

Mechanical loads on the polymeric fibers of oxygenating bundles are commonly present due to bundle press-fitting during device assembly and blood pressure load. However, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for fiber bundle optimization neglect possible changes in microstructure due to such deformations. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of fiber deformability on bundle microstructure and fluid dynamics mainly in terms of permeability. Fibers from commercial mats typically used for blood oxygenators were mechanically tested and based on these experimental data, a material model was developed to simulate the structural deformations the fibers undergo under press-fitting and blood pressure loads. Then, CFD simulations were performed on deformed bundle repetitive units to investigate permeability under varying loading conditions. The effects of different bundle geometric parameters on the variation of bundle permeability due to press-fitting were evaluated. Bundle press-fitting results in significant changes in microstructure that are reflected in a bundle permeability more than halved for a 15% press-fitting. This impact on permeability is present in all the simulated fiber bundles and becomes more pronounced as the pitch between fibers and thus bundle porosity decreases. Instead, the analyses on pressurized bundle show only small deformations caused by pressure load, with permeability changes below 1%. While blood pressure effects could be neglected, bundle press-fitting turns out to have a significant impact on bundle microstructure and permeability. Neglecting such microstructure variations during CFD simulations could also lead to incorrect assessment of the local fluid dynamics within the bundle.

Platelet volume indices and von Willebrand factor levels in blood exposed to polymer- or heparin-coated membrane oxygenators.

INTRODUCTION: To understand the behavior of platelet volume indices and the von Willebrand factor (VWF), in vitro experiments using whole human blood were performed with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) circuits, including membrane oxygenators coated with acrylate copolymer (ACP) or immobilized heparin (IHP). METHODS: Heparinized blood was circulated through two distinct experimental circuits: an ACP-coated reservoir and tubes, as well as membranes coated with either ACP or IHP (comprising five pieces of each type). The platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), VWF quantity (VWFQ), and VWF activity (VWFA) were measured at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 h in each experiment. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine whether the coating type or circulation duration affected the transition of each measurement. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA indicated that the transitions of MPV, P-LCR, and VWFA were significantly affected by the circulation duration (p = 0.030, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively) and that the transitions of VWFQ and VWFA were significantly affected by the coating type (p = 0.022 and 0.006, respectively). Factor interactions between the coating type and circulation duration were not observed for each transition (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that P-LCR is a good index for platelet activation in blood-circulating ECC and that VWFA and VWFQ are significantly attenuated in blood-circulating ECC with ACP-coated membranes, indicating the advantage of IHP coating regarding platelet activation.

Evolutions of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO): perspectives for advanced hollow fiber membrane.

Hollow fiber membrane is incorporated into an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO), and the function of the membrane determines the ECMO's functions, such as gas transfer rate, biocompatibility, and durability. In Japan, the membrane oxygenator to assist circulation and ventilation is approved for ECMO support. However, in all cases, the maximum use period has been only 6 h, and so-called 'off-label use' is common for ECMO support of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Under these circumstances, the HLS SET Advanced (Getinge Group Japan K.K.) was approved in 2020 for the first time in Japan as a membrane oxygenator with a two-week period of use. Following this membrane oxygenator, it is necessary to establish a domestic ECMO system that is approved for long-term use and suitable for supporting patients. Looking back on the evolution of ECMO so far, Japanese researchers and manufacturers have also contributed to the developments of ECMO globally. Currently, excellent membrane oxygenators and systems have been marketed by Japanese manufacturers and some of them are globally acclaimed, but in fact, most of the ECMO membranes are not made in Japan. Fortunately, Japan has led the world in the fields of membrane separation technology and hollow fiber membrane production. In the wake of this pandemic, from the perspective of medical and economic security, the practical use of purely domestic hollow fiber membranes and membrane oxygenators for long-term ECMO is imperative in anticipation of the next pandemic.

Optimization of the IntraVascular Oxygenator Catheter Using Angular Oscillation.

We demonstrate a methodology which both improves oxygen transport and reduces or eliminates bubble formation in a novel hyperbaric membrane oxygenator catheter model system. Angular oscillations were introduced to a bundle of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) supplied with hyperbaric 100% oxygen at average gauge pressures up to 0.35 barg. Oscillating bundles enabled delivery of an oxygen flux of up to 400 mL min-1 m-2 in an aqueous solution, a doubling over a previous non-oscillating setup. Similarly, the addition of angular oscillations facilitated a five-fold reduction in pressure to achieve similar oxygen flux. The increased angular speed of oscillation improved flux, while the addition of angular micro-oscillation variations resulted in flux reductions of 7-20% compared to continuous macro-oscillation only, depending on mixing conditions. However, semi-quantitative visual observation demonstrated that angular oscillations reduced or eliminated the instance of oxygen bubble formation on the HFMs. The modeled mass transfer coefficients indicated a quasi linear relationship between rotational velocity and flux, suggesting that faster oscillation speeds could further improve oxygen mass transport allowing for HFM bundles to maintain high oxygen fluxes while eliminating bubble formation. This encourages further development of our compact oxygenating catheter that could be used intravascularly.

Biofilm Assessment and Metagenomic Analysis of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulas and Membrane Oxygenators.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) exposes the patient to infectious complications related to the cannulas or the site of insertion. The aim of the current study was to investigate and compare the prevalence of cannula and membrane oxygenators colonization using three different methods: microbiological culture, scanning electron microscopy, and metagenomic (rRNA 16S analysis). A monocentric prospective study was conducted between December 2017 and June 2018. Consecutive patients undergoing VA-ECMO support for refractory cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock were included. Ten patients were included with a median age of 64 (52-62) years. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was inserted for refractory cardiac arrest in five (50%), cardiogenic shock in four (40%), and self-poisoning in one (10%) cases. Microbiological culture of all (8/8, 100%) membrane oxygenators was negative, whereas all (10/10, 100%) were colonized by biofilm, and eight (8/9, 89%) presented bacterial DNA. Three (3/9, 33%) arterial and venous cannulas were positive in culture and seven (7/9, 78%) were colonized by biofilm, respectively. Seven (7/9, 78%) arterial and four (4/9, 44%) venous cannulas presented bacterial DNA. Colonization of cannulas and membranes is more frequent when assessed by electron microscopy or metagenomic analysis than with culture. Membrane oxygenators are more often colonized than cannulas.

Early Blood Clot Detection Using Forward Scattering Light Measurements Is Not Superior to Delta Pressure Measurements.

The occurrence of thrombus formation within an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator is a common complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and can rapidly result in a life-threatening situation due to arterial thromboembolism, causing stroke, pulmonary embolism, and limb ischemia in the patient. The standard clinical practice is to monitor the pressure at the inlet and outlet of oxygenators, indicating fulminant, obstructive clot formation indicated by an increasing pressure difference (ΔP). However, smaller blood clots at early stages are not detectable. Therefore, there is an unmet need for sensors that can detect blood clots at an early stage to minimize the associated thromboembolic risks for patients. This study aimed to evaluate if forward scattered light (FSL) measurements can be used for early blood clot detection and if it is superior to the current clinical gold standard (pressure measurements). A miniaturized in vitro test circuit, including a custom-made test chamber, was used. Heparinized human whole blood was circulated through the test circuit until clot formation occurred. Four LEDs and four photodiodes were placed along the sidewall of the test chamber in different positions for FSL measurements. The pressure monitor was connected to the inlet and the outlet to detect changes in ΔP across the test chamber. Despite several modifications in the LED positions on the test chamber, the FSL measurements could not reliably detect a blood clot within the in vitro test circuit, although the pressure measurements used as the current clinical gold standard detected fulminant clot formation in 11 independent experiments.

Using Cardiohelp, Quadrox, and Nautilus Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenators as Vascular Access for Hemodialysis, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, and Plasmapheresis: A Brief Technical Report.

The use of intermittent hemodialysis (iHD), and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), along with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is very common. In this technical report, we describe the methods to perform these dialytic therapies safely and effectively using the ECMO circuit in lieu of a separate dialysis catheter. Specifically, we describe in detail how to connect these kidney replacement therapy modalities to a Quadrox, Nautilus, and Cardiohelp HLS (combined oxygenator and pump) oxygenator. The dialysis (iHD or CRRT) inlet is attached to the post-oxygenators Luer-Lock, whereas the return is attached to the pre-oxygenator Luer-Lock, both with a dual lumen pigtail. We also discuss the technical aspects of performing plasmapheresis in conjunction with ECMO and iHD or CRRT. Finally, we highlight the fact that the reported technique does not require modifying the ECMO cannulas/tubing which helps maximize safety.

Refurbishment of Extracorporeal Life Support Oxygenators in the Context of In Vitro Testing.

Refurbishing single use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) oxygenators for in vitro research applications is common. However, the refurbishment protocols that are established in respective laboratories have never been evaluated. In the present study, we aim at proving the relevance of a well-designed refurbishing protocol by quantifying the burden of repeatedly reused oxygenators. We used the same three oxygenators in 5 days of 6 hours whole blood experiments. During each experiment day, the performance of the oxygenators was measured through the evaluation of gas transfer. Between experiment days, each oxygenator was refurbished applying three alternative refurbishment protocols based on purified water, pepsin and citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide solutions, respectively. After the last experiment day, we disassembled the oxygenators for visual inspection of the fiber mats. The refurbishment protocol based on purified water showed strong degeneration with a 40-50 %-performance drop and clearly visible debris on the fiber mats. Hydrogen peroxide performed better; nevertheless, it suffered a 20% decrease in gas transfer as well as clearly visible debris. Pepsin/citric acid performed best in the field, but also suffered from 10% performance loss and very few, but visible debris. The study showed the relevance of a well-suited and well-designed refurbishment protocol. The distinct debris on the fiber mats also suggests that reusing oxygenators is ill-advised for many experiment series, especially regarding hemocompatibility and in vivo testing. Most of all, this study revealed the relevance of stating the status of test oxygenators and, if refurbished, comment on the implemented refurbishment protocol in detail.

The Hematological Effects of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator Exchange.

Membrane oxygenator failure during venovenous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can lead to life-threatening hypoxia, high replacement costs, and may be associated with a hyperfibrinolytic state and bleeding. The current understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive this is limited. The primary aim of this study therefore is to investigate the hematological changes that occur before and after membrane oxygenator and circuit exchanges (ECMO circuit exchange) in patients with severe respiratory failure managed on V-V ECMO. We analyzed 100 consecutive V-V ECMO patients using linear mixed-effects modeling to evaluate hematological markers in the 72 hours before and 72 hours after ECMO circuit exchange. A total of 44 ECMO circuit exchanges occurred in 31 of 100 patients. The greatest change from baseline to peak were seen in plasma-free hemoglobin (42-fold increase p < 0.01) and the D-dimer:fibrinogen ratio (1.6-fold increase p = 0.03). Bilirubin, carboxyhemoglobin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and platelets also showed statistically significant changes ( p < 0.01), whereas lactate dehydrogenase did not ( p = 0.93). Progressively deranged hematological markers normalize more than 72 hours after ECMO circuit exchange, with an associated reduction in membrane oxygenator resistance. This supports the biologic plausibility that ECMO circuit exchange may prevent further complications such as hyperfibrinolysis, membrane failure, and clinical bleeding.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenators with light-diffusing fibers for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning: Experiments, mathematical modeling, and performance assessment with unit cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 50,000 emergency department visits per year due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occur in the United States alone. Tissue hypoxia can occur at very low CO concentration exposures because CO binds with a 250-fold higher affinity than oxygen to hemoglobin. The most effective therapy is 100% hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) respiration. However, there are only a limited number of cases with ready accessibility to the specialized HBO chambers. In previous studies, we developed an extracorporeal veno-venous membrane oxygenator that facilitates exposure of blood to an external visible light source to photo-dissociate carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and significantly increase CO removal from CO-poisoned blood (photo-extracorporeal veno-venous membrane oxygenator [p-ECMO]). One objective of this study was to describe in vitro experiments with different laser wavelength sources to compare CO elimination rates in a small unit-cell ECMO device integrated with a light-diffusing optical fiber. A second objective was to develop a mathematical model that predicts CO elimination rates in the unit-cell p-ECMO  device design upon which larger devices can be based. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two small unit-cell p-ECMO devices consisted of a plastic capillary with a length and inside diameter of 10 cm and 1.15 mm, respectively. Either five (4-1 device) or seven (6-1 device) gas exchange tubes were placed in the plastic capillary and a light-diffusing fiber was inserted into one of the gas exchange tubes. Light from lasers emitting either 635 nm or 465 nm wavelengths was coupled into the light-diffusing fiber as oxygen flowed through the gas exchange membranes. To assess the ability of the device to remove CO from blood in vitro, the percent COHb reduction in a single pass through the device was assessed with and without light. The Navier Stokes equations, Carreau-Yesuda model, Boltzman equation for light distribution, and hemoglobin kinetic rate equations, including photo-dissociation, were combined in a mathematical model to predict COHb elimination in the experiments. RESULTS: For the unit-cell devices, the COHb removal rate increases with increased 635 nm laser power, increased blood time in the device, and greater gas exchange membrane surface-to-blood volume ratio. The 6-1 device COHb half-life versus that of the 4-1 device with 4 W at 635 nm light was 1.5 min versus 4.25 min, respectively. At 1 W laser power, 635 nm and 465 nm exhibited similar CO removal rates. The COHb half-life times of the 6-1 device were 1.25, 2.67, and 8.5 min at 635 nm (4 W), 465 nm (1 W), and 100% oxygen only, respectively. The mathematical model predicted the experimental results. An analysis of the in vivo COHb half-life of oxygen respiration therapy versus an adjunct therapy with a p-ECMO device and oxygen respiration shows a reduction from 90 min to as low as 10 min, depending on the device design. CONCLUSION: In this study, we experimentally studied and developed a mathematical model of a small unit-cell ECMO device integrated with a light-diffusing fiber illuminated with laser light. The unit-cell device forms the basis for a larger device and, in an adjunct therapy with oxygen respiration, has the potential to remove COHb at much higher rates than oxygen therapy alone. The mathematical model can be used to optimize the design in practical implementations to quickly and efficiently remove CO from CO-poisoned blood.

Micellar Encapsulation of Propofol Reduces its Adsorption on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) Circuit.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving cardiopulmonary bypass device used on critically ill patients with refractory heart and lung failure. Patients supported with ECMO receive numerous drugs to treat critical illnesses and the underlying diseases. Unfortunately, most drugs prescribed to patients on ECMO lack accurate dosing information. Dosing can be variable in this patient population because the ECMO circuit components can adsorb drugs and affect drug exposure substantially. Propofol is a widely used anesthetic in ECMO patients and is known to have high adsorption rates in ECMO circuits due to its high hydrophobicity. In an attempt to reduce adsorption, we encapsulated propofol with Poloxamer 407 (Polyethylene-Polypropylene Glycol). Size and polydispersity index (PDI) were characterized using dynamic light scattering. Encapsulation efficiency was analyzed using High performance liquid chromatography. Cytocompatibility of micelles was analyzed against human macrophages and the formulation was finally injected in an ex-vivo ECMO circuit to determine the adsorption of propofol. Size and PDI of micellar propofol were 25.5 ± 0.8 nm and 0.08 ± 0.01, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency of the drug was 96.1 ± 1.3%. Micellar propofol demonstrated colloidal stability at physiological temperature for a period of 7 days, and was cytocompatible with human macrophages. Micellar propofol demonstrated a significant reduction in adsorption of propofol in the ECMO circuit at earlier time points compared to free propofol (Diprivan®). We observed 97 ± 2% recovery of the propofol from the micellar formulation after an infusion. These results demonstrate the potential of micellar propofol to reduce drug adsorption to ECMO circuit.

Centrifugal or Roller Blood Pumps for Neonatal Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Database Comparison of Mortality and Morbidity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes associated with conventional roller or centrifugal pumps during neonatal venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Our primary hypothesis is that in comparison with conventional roller-pump support, centrifugal pump use is associated with greater odds of survival. Our secondary hypothesis is that centrifugal pump use is associated with lesser odds of complications. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort identified using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry 2016 to 2020 dataset. SETTING: All ECMO centers reporting to the ELSO registry. PATIENTS: All neonates (≤ 28 d) supported with venovenous ECMO and cannulated via right internal jugular vein using dual-lumen venovenous cannulas and polymethyl pentene membrane oxygenators. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 612 neonates (centrifugal, n = 340; conventional roller, n = 272) were included in the analysis. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, centrifugal pump use-as opposed to roller pump use-was associated with lesser odds of survival (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33-0.84; p < 0.008). Thrombosis and clots in the circuit components were also associated with lesser odds of survival (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16-0.60; p < 0.001). We failed to show that hemolysis was an independent variable for survival (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.31-1.19; p = 0.14). The primary diagnosis of neonatal aspiration/meconium aspiration is associated with more than seven-fold greater odds of survival (OR, 7.57; 95% CI, 4.02-15.74; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our hypotheses, conventional roller pump use was associated with greater odds of survival. While thrombosis and clots in circuit components were independent variables for lesser odds of survival, further research is needed better to understand the use of centrifugal pumps in neonatal practice.

Comparison of hemodynamic features and thrombosis risk of membrane oxygenators with different structures: A numerical study.

PURPOSE: The geometric structure of the membrane oxygenator can exert an impact on its hemodynamic features, which contribute to the development of thrombosis, thereby affecting the clinical efficacy of ECMO treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of varying geometric structures on hemodynamic features and thrombosis risk of membrane oxygenators with different designs. METHODS: Five oxygenator models with different structures, including different number and location of blood inlet and outlet, as well as variations in blood flow path, were established for investigation. These models are referred to as Model 1 (Quadrox-i Adult Oxygenator), Model 2 (HLS Module Advanced 7.0 Oxygenator), Model 3 (Nautilus ECMO Oxygenator), Model 4 (OxiaACF Oxygenator) and Model 5 (New design oxygenator). The hemodynamic features of these models were numerically analyzed using the Euler method combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The accumulated residence time (ART) and coagulation factor concentrations (C[i], where i represents different coagulation factors) were calculated by solving the convection diffusion equation. The resulting relationships between these factors and the development of thrombosis in the oxygenator were then investigated. RESULTS: Our results show that the geometric structure of the membrane oxygenator, including the location of the blood inlet and outlet as well as the design of the flow path, has a significant impact on the hemodynamic surroundings within the oxygenator. In comparison to Model 4, which had the inlet and outlet located in the center position, Model 1 and Model 3, which had the inlet and outlet at the edge of the blood flow field, exhibited a more uneven distribution of blood flow within the oxygenator, particularly in areas distant from the inlet and outlet, which was accompanied with lower flow velocity and higher values of ART and C[i], leading to the formation of flow dead zones and an elevated risk of thrombosis. The oxygenator of Model 5 is designed with a structure that features multiple inlets and outlets, which greatly improves the hemodynamic environment inside the oxygenator. This results in a more even distribution of blood flow within the oxygenator, reducing areas with high values of ART and C[i], and ultimately lowering the risk of thrombosis. The oxygenator of Model 3 with circular flow path section shows better hemodynamic performance compared to the oxygenator of Model 1 with square circular flow path. The overall ranking of hemodynamic performance for all five oxygenators is as follows: Model 5 > Model 4 > Model 2 > Model 3 > Model 1, indicating that Model 1 has the highest thrombosis risk while Model 5 has the lowest. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the different structures can affect the hemodynamic characteristics inside membrane oxygenators. The design of multiple inlets and outlets can improve the hemodynamic performance and reduce the thrombosis risk in membrane oxygenators. These findings of this study can be used to guide the optimization design of membrane oxygenators for improving hemodynamic surroundings and reducing thrombosis risk.

Surface Modification of Oxygenator Fibers with a Catalytically Active Metal-Organic Framework to Generate Nitric Oxide: An Ex Vivo Pilot Study.

Coating all portions of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit with materials exhibiting inherent, permanent antithrombotic properties is an essential step to prevent thrombus-induced complications. However, developing antithrombotic coatings for oxygenator fibers within membrane oxygenators of ECMO systems has proven challenging. We have used polydopamine (PDA) to coat oxygenator fibers and immobilize a Cu-based metal-organic framework (MOF) on the surface to act as a nitric oxide (NO) catalyst. Importantly, the PDA/MOF coating will produce NO indefinitely from endogenous S-nitrosothiols and it has not previously been applied to ECMO oxygenator fibers.

A comprehensive evaluation of hemodynamic energy production and circuit loss using four different ECMO arterial cannulae.

OBJECTIVE: Pulsatile-flow veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has shown encouraging results for microcirculation resuscitation and left ventricle unloading in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. We aimed to comprehensively assess different V-A ECMO parameters and their contribution to hemodynamic energy production and transfer through the device circuit. METHODS: We used the i-cor® ECMO circuit, which composed of Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump and i-cor® console (Xenios AG), the Hilite 7000 membrane oxygenator (Xenios AG), venous and arterial tubing and a 1 L soft venous pseudo-patient reservoir. Four different arterial cannulae (Biomedicus 15 and 17 Fr, Maquet 15 and 17 Fr) were used. For each cannula, 192 different pulsatile modes were investigated by adjusting flow rate, systole/diastole ratio, pulsatile amplitudes and frequency, yielding 784 unique conditions. A dSpace data acquisition system was used to collect flow and pressure data. RESULTS: Increasing flow rates and pulsatile amplitudes were associated with significantly higher hemodynamic energy production (both p < 0.001), while no significant associations were seen while adjusting systole-to-diastole ratio (p = 0.73) or pulsing frequency (p = 0.99). Arterial cannula represents the highest resistance to hemodynamic energy transfer with 32%-59% of total hemodynamic energy generated being lost within, depending on pulsatile flow settings used. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we presented the first study to compare hemodynamic energy production with all pulsatile ECLS pump settings and their combinations and widely used yet previously unexamined four different arterial ECMO cannula. Only increased flow rate and amplitude increase hemodynamic energy production as single factors, whilst other factors are relevant when combined.

Long-term ECMO, efficiency and performance of EUROSETS adult A.L.ONE ECMO oxygenator.

BACKGROUND: The management of the oxygenator can be prolonged in the long-term procedures especially during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for bridge to transplant or bridge to recovery. Long-term use often involves an overrun of the time of use with respect to certification of the oxygenating module of 14 days, for the maintenance of performance and efficiency of the oxygenator. The evaluation of the long-term oxygenator efficiency is complex and depends on the: patient pathology, ECMO configuration, the management of coagulation and anticoagulation, materials selection and circuit components, the structure, design and performance of the oxygenator. In this context we investgated the long-term performance of the A.L.ONE Eurosets ECMO oxygenator in relation to the parameters prodromal to replacement. METHODS: We retrospectively collected eight years data from Anthea Hospital GVM Care & Research, Bari, Italy on the long-term use exceeding 14 days of Eurosets A.L.ONE ECMO Adult oxygenator in Polymetylpentene fiber, for ECMO procedures, including the procedures: Veno Arterial (VA) ECMO post-cardiotomy or not, veno-venous (VV) ECMO. The primary end points were the evaluation of Gas Transfer: oxygen partial pressure (PO2) post oxygenator, Carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) post oxygenator, the oxygen transfer across the oxygenator membrane V'O2, differential CO2 content across oxygenator; Pressure monitoring: oxygenator pressure Drop in relation to Blood flow rate (BFR) (ΔP); Hematologic values: Hemoglobin, Fibrinogen, Platelets, aPTT, D-Dimer, LDH. RESULTS: Nine VA ECMO patients who used the oxygenator for 18.5 days and two VV ECMO patients who used the oxygenators for 17.2 days on the seventeenth days reported average values PaO2 (267 ± 29 mmHg); PaCO2 (34 ± 4 mmHg) with gas blender values set to 3.8 ± 0.6 L/min of air and a FiO2 of 78 ± 5%; the transfer across the oxygenator membrane V'O2 was 189 ± 43 (ml/min/m2). The mean peak of partial pressure of carbon dioxide from the gas exhaust of oxygenator (PECO2) was 38 ± 4 mmHg; differential CO2 across the oxygenator "pre-oxygenator PCO2-post-oxygenator PCO2" (18 ± 6 mmHg); the mean blood flow rate (BFR) 4.5 ± 0.6 (L/minute); the pump revolution per minutes mean maximum rate was 4254 ± 345 (RPM); the mean pressure drop (ΔP) was 76 ± 12 mmHg; the mean peak of d-dimers (DDs) was 23.6 ± 0.8 mg / dL; the mean peak of LDH was 230 ± 55 (mg/dl); fibrinogen mean peak 223 ± 40 (mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the Eurosets A.L.ONE ECMO Adult polymethylpentene fiber oxygenator in our experience has proven efficiency in terms of O2 uptake and CO2 removal, blood fluid dynamics, metabolic compensation and heat exchange in the long-term treatment. The device was safe without iatrogenic problems over a period of 14 days in the patients undergoing ECMO VA and in all patients undergoing VV ECMO with continuous administration of anticoagulation therapy.