Abstract
Standard practice for weaning patients off venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) occurs by decreasing pump flows until idle flow is achieved. This method is limited in its use because it is difficult to assess a patient's true potential to successfully come off ECMO when supported by idle flow. We have developed a weaning technique that uses a Hoffman clamp on the bridge to decrease blood flow to the patient beyond idle flow. This method was used to wean eight patients from venoarterial ECMO. No patients weaned with this technique required emergent reinstitution of ECMO. The Hoffman clamp technique has allowed us to safely wean patients off ECMO support while maintaining integrity of the circuit.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 229-231 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 23 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bridge
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- Hoffman clamp
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine