Extracorporeal life support in paediatrics.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support technique based on modifications of heart-lung bypass technology. It is used to support severe but potentially reversible pulmonary or cardiopulmonary failure. There is increasing use of the technique for neonates and a return of interest in its use for adults. The number of non-neonatal paediatric patients receiving pulmonary support with ECMO worldwide is, however, small, and survival rates average less than 50%. Initial experience in 15 patients aged 3 months to 5 years with a high survival and low morbidity is reported.
Pearson
G A
GA
Groby Road Hospital, Leicester.
Grant
J
J
Field
D
D
Sosnowski
A
A
Firmin
R K
RK
D002675:Child, Preschool; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome