Experimental studies on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for application of infants with severe respiratory failure

A study of veno-venous bypass with intermittent perfusion flow

Abstract

This study was performed by using dogs (2-9kg weight) to investigate the veno-venous bypass for respiratory support. Three type methods of ECMO consisted of veno-arterial (V-A) bypass and veno-venous (V-V) bypass (continuous flow and intermittent flow). After completion of these ECMO perfusion, oxygenation and hemodynamics were studied. The intermittent flow was obtained by inflation or deflation of the flexible chamber in which pump and reservior were combined in each. Flow rate of 30% of the cardiac output was maintained in this study. The difference of oxygenation and pressure of the femoral artery was not seen between V-A bypass and V-V bypass. Intermittent flow by V-V bypass increased slightly pressure of the pulmonary artery and right ventricle. This reason caused due to drainage and perfusion of the venous blood.