Tracheostomy and long‐term mechanical ventilation in children after veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective Our objective is to characterize the incidence of tracheostomy placement and new requirement for long-term mechanical ventilation after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) among children with acute respiratory failure. We examine whether an association exists between demographics, pre-ECMO ECMO clinical factors, a or need ventilation. Methods A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted at 10 quaternary care pediatric academic centers, including supported veno-venous (V-V) from 2011 2016. Results Among 202 patients, 136 (67%) survived ICU discharge. All tracheostomies were placed decannulation, in 22 19 those surviving discharge (14% survivors). Twelve patients (9% survivors) discharged on Tracheostomy home not associated severity illness pre-existing chronic illness. Patients who received older weighed more than did receive tracheostomy, although this exist duration longer compared not, as well ventilation, not. Conclusion The 14% rate 9% V-V are important patient-centered findings. This informs anticipatory guidance provided families requiring prolonged support, lays foundation future research.