[Extracorporeal lung support-news and future developments]

Technical developments as well as the experiences during the 2009 influenza pandemia have led to an increased and safer use of extracorporeal gas exchange. Indications are expanding as new systems with the main goal of CO₂ elimination have entered the market, thus, broadening the range of systems in addition to classic "high flow" extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), although evidence for many suggested indications is sparse or lacking. However, recent research has shed light into the pathophysiology and interaction between the organism and the extracorporeal systems. Upcoming indications like avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation or reducing invasiveness of ventilation are being evaluated. Novel data and technical advances will keep perspectives of extracorporeal gas exchange dynamic and exciting.