Cannula and Circuit Management in Peripheral ECMO

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ECMO

Variable practices regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) line management exist worldwide based on recommendations lacking specific ECMO content and context.

This survey identified evidence gaps regarding several aspects of patient management, specifically antiseptic agents, dressing products and regimens, securement methods and needle-less valves.

The vulnerability of ECMO patients for significant morbidity and mortality associated with line-related complications and ECMOs expanding use worldwide warrants targeted research to develop best practice guidelines for clinicians managing ECMO lines.

Due to the cross-sectional design our findings may not represent all practices in the ECMO community.

Similarly, participants from the United States contributed almost half of the responses but this was expected given that the largest number of ECMO centers is present in this location.

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