Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
Pediatric and neonatal extracorporeal life support: current state and continuing evolution
Brian P Fallon1, Samir K Gadepalli2, Ronald B Hirschl2
1Department of Surgery, ECLS Laboratory, B560 MSRB II/SPC 5686, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. bfallon@med.umich.edu.
Insights
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly used in pediatric and neonatal patients. Technological advancements have expanded ECLS applications, indications, and management strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Cardiopulmonary support technologies
- Neonatal intensive care
Background:
- Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use in pediatric and neonatal populations is rising.
- Significant advancements in ECLS technology and safety have broadened its applicability.
- The evolving landscape necessitates updated clinical understanding and practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of pediatric and neonatal ECLS.
- To discuss advancements in ECLS technology, indications, and management.
- To provide an overview of modern ECLS patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and technological advancements in ECLS.
- Analysis of expanding indications and decreasing contraindications for ECLS.
- Description of traditional and hybrid cannulation techniques.
- Examination of updated circuit components and management protocols.
Main Results:
- ECLS technology and safety have improved, expanding its use.
- Indications for ECLS are broadening, while contraindications are narrowing.
- Innovations include hybrid cannulation, improved circuit components, and advanced patient management.
Conclusions:
- Modern ECLS offers expanded therapeutic options for critically ill pediatric and neonatal patients.
- Continuous technological innovation and refined management protocols are key to optimizing ECLS outcomes.
- A comprehensive approach to ECLS, encompassing technical and clinical aspects, is essential.
Abstract:
The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for the pediatric and neonatal population continues to grow. At the same time, there have been dramatic improvements in the technology and safety of ECLS that have broadened the scope of its application. This article will review the evolving landscape of ECLS, including its expanding indications and shrinking contraindications. It will also describe traditional and hybrid cannulation strategies as well as changes in circuit components such as servo regulation, non-thrombogenic surfaces, and paracorporeal lung-assist devices. Finally, it will outline the modern approach to managing a patient on ECLS, including anticoagulation, sedation, rehabilitation, nutrition, and staffing.
Related Concept Videos
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...

