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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Resuscitation Measure in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Insights
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) successfully treated two children with acute myocarditis in the emergency department. This life support method shows promise for pediatric cardiac emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Refractory cardiac arrest can be managed with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
- Limited availability of ECMO, particularly in emergency settings, has restricted its application.
- Acute myocarditis presents a critical challenge in pediatric care.
Background:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may serve as a bridge to regain cardiac function in refractory resuscitation. However, its use has so far been limited owing to low availability, especially in emergency departments.
Objectives:
To describe two children with acute myocarditis successfully treated with ECMO in the emergency department of a tertiary pediatric medical center.
Description:
The children presented with vomiting, followed by rapid deterioration to cardiogenic shock that failed to respond to conservative treatment. Given the urgency of their condition and its presumably reversible (viral) etiology, treatment with ECMO was initiated in the department's resuscitation room.
Results:
Outcome was excellent, and cardiac function remained normal throughout 6 and 10 months follow-up.
Conclusions:
Extracorporeal life support has enormous potential in the emergency department and warrants further assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
01:30Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes: