mcs

Virchow's triad of stasis, vascular damage, and hypercoagulability contribute to thrombosis. Although patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are usually on pharmacologic anticoagulation (i.e., heparin), it's still possible to form clots in areas of...

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has a few basic parts: an inflow ("drainage") cannula, mechanical blood pump, membrane oxygenator, heat exchanger, and an outflow ("return") cannula. In a motor failure, pump flow can be maintained...

As a follow-up to my perioperative and critical care reference sheet, I've created a similar one for mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Same rules apply: This sheet doesn't constitute medical advice, and I'm NOT responsible for...

The Hemolung Respiratory Assist System (RAS) is an investigative extracorporeal carbon dioxide (CO2) removal (ECCO2R) therapy. This system uses a centrifugal pump and blood gas exchanger to create respiratory dialysis - a form of...

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are gaining more traction in the world of heart failure primarily as a bridge-to-transplantation or destination therapy (ie, ineligible for a heart transplant). These patients often times develop gastrointestinal...

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) used as a bridge to recovery, transplant, or alternative therapy (ie, VAD insertion). Whether it's the actual cannulation process or day-to-day management,...

CentriMag devices are implanted for acute right and/or left-sided circulatory support but often times used for extended periods of time for patients with acute heart failure awaiting a heart transplant. With CentriMag devices, patients...

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) like the HeartMate 3 are routinely being implanted as a mechanical circulatory bridge-to-transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT). My anesthetic plan for LVAD placement includes general endotracheal anesthesia, arterial...