As native lung function recovers and intrinsic gas exchange improves, the oxygen delivery and ventilation (sweep) from ECMO are weaned. Once the sweep is weaned off, lung function can be monitored briefly before decannulation to rule out deterioration. The patient can then be decannulated, which is often done at the bedside and usually requires stopping heparin infusion for a short period.

References

• ELSO Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Extracorporeal Life Support Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, Version 1.4. Accessed May 14, 2023. www.elso.org
• Mazzeffi MA, Rao VK, Dodd-O J, et al. Intraoperative management of adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an expert consensus statement from the society of cardiovascular anesthesiologists—part II, intraoperative management and troubleshooting. Anesth Analg. 2021;133:1478-1493.