cannulas and the status of the pulmonary disease. An echocardiogram is used to
determine the cardiac physiology and identify any anatomic anomalies, though it
can be difficult to interpret while the patient is on ECLS. At our institution,
parameters on ECLS are assessed at least daily to allow for continued
adjustment in the absence of a physician. Finally, the sweep gas and flow
through the circuit are closely monitored, since increasing sweep gas decreases
the arterial carbon dioxide level, while increasing flow provides more oxygenation
and blood pressure support.
D. Oxygenator (see Figure 3)
Figure 3. A picture of the Maquet oxygenator in use within the ECLS circuit of a
neonate followed by a compilation of some of the available oxygenators today
marcin
(Marcin)
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