Physiology of extracorporeal circulatory support and blood gas monitoring

Introduction Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) encompasses a set of devices capable of mechanically assisting cardiac and pulmonary functions either temporarily or for prolonged periods1. Among these, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy emerged as an initially respiratory support option in the 1970s, however, today this mechanical device has the capability to assist patients with both refractory […]