Modification strategies to improve the membrane hemocompatibility in extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO)

Since extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) has been utilized to save countless lives by providing continuous extracorporeal breathing and circulation to patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure. In particular, it has played an important role during the COVID-19 epidemic. One of the important composites of ECMO is membrane oxygenator, and the core composite of the membrane oxygenator is hollow fiber membrane, which is not only a place for blood oxygenation, but also is a barrier between the blood and gas side. However, the formation of blood clots in the oxygenator is a key problem in the using process. According to the study of the mechanism of thrombosis generation, it was found that improving the hemocompatibility is an efficient approach to reduce thrombus formation by modifying the surface of materials. In this review, the corresponding modification methods (surface property regulation, anticoagulant grafting, and bio-interface design) of hollow fiber membranes in ECMO are classified and discussed, and then, the research status and development prospects are summarized.