Technique for Weaning From Peripheral Venopulmonary Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Combined Cardiopulmonary Failure

Venopulmonary (VP) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a mode capable of supporting both pulmonary and right ventricular (RV) functions. Weaning patients from VP ECMO requires careful assessment of both RV and respiratory system recovery, which may occur at different rates. The weaning strategy described herein begins with weaning of respiratory ECMO support, followed by discontinuation of RV support. We also discuss situations in which the standard weaning strategy may require modification.