The majority of U.K. centers are unable to provide venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) for neonates due to concerns with availability and suitability of dual lumen cannulae. An alternative to be considered is the use of multisite cannulation, which has been used historically and is currently being used in centers internationally and in the United Kingdom.

The percentage of neonates with respiratory failure supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has declined from 58% to 16% over the last decade, reflected internationally with a decrease of 1.3% per year.

Nine extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers are able to offer pediatric venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but only four offer neonatal venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

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