Update on safety equipment for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuits

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Respiratory Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) equipment has been extensively documented.
• Current trends show increasing popularity of minimally equipped ECLS circuits for bridging decisions in adults and pediatrics with cardiac and respiratory failure.
• Long-term ECLS therapy necessitates different configurations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and contrast minimally equipped ECLS circuits with those featuring maximum flexibility and safety devices.
• To review the rationale behind ECLS circuit and device utilization for safe patient support.
• To highlight the importance of safety considerations in ECLS configurations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ECLS equipment and safety devices.
• Comparison of ECLS circuit configurations based on complexity and intended duration of therapy.
• Analysis of safety device implementation in different ECLS setups.
• Institutional review of ECLS circuit and device usage for patient support.

Main Results:

• Minimally equipped ECLS circuits prioritize simplicity and portability, suitable for short-term use.
• Long-term ECLS circuits require more extensive safety features for sustained patient support.
• A spectrum exists between minimal and maximal ECLS configurations, each with distinct advantages and safety considerations.

Conclusions:

• The choice of ECLS circuit configuration should align with the intended duration of therapy and patient condition.
• Enhanced safety devices are crucial for long-term extracorporeal life support.
• Further high-level research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for ECLS equipment and safety device selection.