Extracorporeal circulatory systems and their role in military medicine: a clinical review

This study was undertaken to clinically review the historical use, current manufacturing trends, and military application of extracorporeal circulatory (ECC) systems to treat pulmonary trauma patients. In the past 50 years, ECC support has evolved into a viable treatment option for pulmonary patients. New developments in ECC systems, such as heparin-bonded circuit designs like the Lifebridge B2T and the Novalung, are giving providers more choices with which to initiate ECC support and transport those injured while supporting the global war on terrorism. If ECC support is adopted by the military, then a training program that includes a review of standard operating procedures, equipment types, pharmaceutical dosing, transport with ground and air assets, and the effects of temperature and elevation changes on the circuits should be instituted. Reviewing all possible treatment choices for pulmonary insults received during this war should give providers additional tools with which to save lives.