Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
ECMO Support in Pediatric Populations with the Newborn ECMOLife Centrifugal Pump
Carlo Pace Napoleone1, Ignazio Condello2, Maria Teresa Cascarano1
1Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, 10024 Torino, Italy.
Insights
The ECMOLife system, a novel magnetic levitation centrifugal pump, demonstrates safety and efficacy in neonates requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This technology minimizes hemolysis, improving outcomes for pediatric patients with cardiac or respiratory failure.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is crucial for pediatric refractory cardiac/respiratory failure.
- Magnetic levitation pumps reduce hemolysis, a significant risk in neonates.
- ECMOLife is a new magnetic levitation centrifugal pump for pediatric use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ECMOLife system in a newborn setting.
- To assess pump function, hemolysis, and inflammatory markers during ECMO support.
- To determine the clinical applicability of ECMOLife in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Four neonates received ECMOLife support (2 veno-venous, 2 veno-arterial).
- Pump function, anticoagulation, hemolysis, and inflammation were continuously monitored.
- Hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were recorded throughout support.
Main Results:
- All four patients survived the ECMO procedure.
- Three patients recovered; one required heart transplantation after VAD conversion.
- Free hemoglobin levels remained near 0 g/L, indicating minimal hemolysis.
- Continuous monitoring facilitated assessment of mechanical support adequacy.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of ECMOLife use in neonates.
- ECMOLife is the only pediatric-compatible system offering continuous perfusion and hemodynamic monitoring.
- The system's features support safe transportation and management of critically ill newborns.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Pediatric ECMO is a valid support mechanism for refractory cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Magnetic levitation technology applied to the centrifugal pump has reduced the hemolysis caused by this procedure, which can be particularly dangerous, especially in neonates and small children. ECMOLife, a new magnetic levitation centrifugal pump, has been introduced for these patients. Materials and Methods: Four patients were supported with the ECMOLife System in a newborn setting, with veno-venous application in two cases and veno-arterial in the other two. All parameters related to pump functioning, anticoagulation, hemolysis, and inflammation were recorded for the duration of the support. Results: All patients survived the procedure, in three cases achieving recovery, while one veno-arterial ECMO was switched to VAD, and then the patient underwent heart transplantation. All recorded parameters were compatible with clinical conditions. In particular, free haemoglobin was close to 0 g/L in all recorded samples. The possibility of monitoring pump functioning parameters, venous and arterial O2 saturation, and venous and arterial pressures creates an opportunity to check the adequacy of mechanical support for the clinical condition of the patient. Conclusions: This is the first reported experiment in a newborn setting with ECMOLife mechanical support. At present, ECMOLife represents the only system with a newborn and pediatric pump, allowing for the continuous monitoring of perfusion and hemodynamic parameters, with a large number of facilities for transportation available.
