veno-venous ECMO
Also written as: VV-ECMO — veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation configuration providing respiratory support without cardiac assistance.
Full Definition
A form of extracorporeal life support where blood is drained from and returned to the venous system, providing oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal while the patient's heart continues to pump. Typically used for severe respiratory failure when mechanical ventilation is insufficient. Common cannulation sites include femoral-jugular or bicaval configurations. Unlike veno-arterial ECMO, VV-ECMO does not provide hemodynamic support and requires adequate cardiac function. Complications include bleeding, thrombosis, infection, and mechanical circuit issues.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate veno-venous; distinguish clearly from veno-arterial ECMO in documentation.
In Context
- "The patient was transitioned from veno-arterial to veno-venous ECMO following recovery of cardiac function." — ICU progress note
- "Veno-venous ECMO was initiated for bridge-to-transplant respiratory support in this patient with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis." — Consultant note