A novel strategy for conversion from pediatric V-A ECMO to CPB circuit

This article describes two novel strategies to convert a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (V-A ECMO) supported pediatric patient circuit to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. Modification of the existing ECMO circuit incorporated a venous reservoir, cardioplegia circuit, ultrafiltration circuit, and cardiotomy suckers, allowing all aspects of cardiac surgery to be performed. This approach eliminated the need for conversion to an additional CPB circuit, thereby reducing surface area exposure and blood product requirement. We found that these patients had no major post-operative coagulopathies or observable neurological dysfunction.