Coagulation complications after conversion from roller to centrifugal pump in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

AbstractBackground/purpose Coagulation complications are frequent, unwanted occurrences in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment, possibly influenced by the pump ECMO-circuit. We hypothesized that fewer would occur with a smaller, heparin-coated ECMO system centrifugal (CP) than one roller (RP) and after conversion, complication rates decrease over time. Methods This single-center, retrospective chart study included all first neonatal pediatric runs between 2009 2015. Differences groups were assessed Mann–Whitney U tests Kruskal–Wallis tests. Determinants of evaluated through Poisson regression models. The CP group was divided into three consecutive to assess whether decreased Results RP comprised 90 82. Hemorrhagic significantly higher RP, without serious therapeutic consequences, while thrombotic unaffected. Intracranial hemorrhage coagulation-related mortality similar. Gained experience did not improve or survival Conclusions Although seems safe, it does seem beneficial RP. Further research is warranted on how type affects coagulation, taking account severity implications coagulation complications. Level Evidence Level III.