Abstract
Purpose of review The purpose is to review the current application of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in trauma patients. In addition, programmatic development is described. Recent findings ECLS use is increasing among trauma patients. Several recent studies among trauma patients report survival rates of 65-79%. Despite the high bleeding risk, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be safely implemented in trauma patients based on a strict protocol-driven policy. Early implementation may improve overall outcomes. Alternative anticoagulants and heparin free periods may be well tolerated in trauma patients at high risk of hemorrhage. Summary ECMO is becoming a more routine option in severely injured trauma patients that develop severe respiratory failure. Well tolerated implementation and program development is possible among regional trauma centers. Although clinical knowledge gaps exist, ECMO is a promising treatment in this high-risk population.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 578-583 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Critical Care |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 13 2016 |
Keywords
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- Trauma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine