Evaluation of Oxygenators and Centrifugal Pumps for Long-term Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Objective: Two extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits for children under 10 kg were evaluated and compared for plasma leakage, hemolysis, blood transfusions, and durability.

Methods: Group A (n = 20) was supported by ECMO circuits with the Minimax oxygenator and the Biomedicus centrifugal pump. Group B (n = 10) was supported by ECMO circuits with the Lilliput 2 ECMO oxygenator and the Rotaflow centrifugal pump.

Results: ECMO circuit durability, as measured by oxygenator lifespan, was significantly better in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.04). There was significantly lower hemolysis, measured by plasma free hemoglobin, in Group B (p = 0.019), and patients in Group B had significantly less need for antithrombin III transfusion (p = 0.004). No plasma leakage was observed in Group B oxygenators, but plasma leakage was observed in all Group A oxygenators.

Conclusion: The combination of a Rotaflow centrifugal pump and Lilliput 2 ECMO oxygenator in pediatric ECMO circuits improved durability and reduced circuit-induced hemolysis. This improvement may be due to the low priming volume, the oxygenator’s plasma leakage resistance, the suspended rotor of the centrifugal pump, or a combination of these factors.