ECMO Specialist Exam Questions with Correct Answers 100% Verified By Experts|2025/2026
Latest Update
VV ECMO Can be though of as "IV gas exchange" aims to deliver enough oxygen to support
end-organ perfusion.
ECMO directors Dr. Devaleria & Dr. Sen
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) A Consortium developed in 1989 that
defines ECMO guidelines and maintains a registry of all ECMO patients
Contraindications to V-V ECMO Cardiogenic Shock, chronic respiratory failure, uncontrolled
sepsis and multi-organ failure
Father of ECMO? What does he believe? Dr Robert Bartlett; he believes al patients should
have a Hgb of 15g/dL
Test to confirm Hemolysis lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and plasma free Hemoglobin (sent
out ever 3 days plasma free hgb)
Air Entrainment This originates from the pre-pump side of the circuit, will seize a centrifugal
pump, and requires rapid assessment for the source. Specialist much watch closely, and
prepare to clamp oxygenator outflow (ECMO Arterial)
Chatter This colloquialism is intermittent venous line obstruction that causes variable ECBF
(Ecmo Cannula bloodflow).
Arterial Decannulation This Emergency will result in rapid exsanguination, Clamp the
outflow immediately
, Low Flow/No Flow The inability of the centrifugal pump to generate output. Remedied by
reducing pump speed.
VV ECMO blood gas optimization is titrated according to Pt.'s arterial blood gas
Signs of Oxygenator Failure increasing Delta P
increasing ECMO PCO2 despite increased sweep on blender
Decreasing ECMO PO2 despite increased FIO2 on the blender
Bioderm Cath Grips and CHG Tegaderm are changed? Every 7 days
Hourly ECMO monitoring and Assessment Requirements include Circuit check
Cannulae site assessment
Circuit pressure /flow/blender settings
N/V assessment of cannulated limbs.
Type and screen This is done every 3 days and must remain up to date entire time patient is
on ECLS
Roller Pump Has no sensitivity to afterload
What directly controls CO2 removal and FIO2 Air/ oxygen gas blender
Centrifugal pumps Hardware that provides laminar flow, it is preload dependent, and
afterload sensitive
What ECMO access is ideal for mobilization, susceptible to malposition, and more technically
difficult to place. Dual lumen /bicaval cannula (aka Crescent/ Avalon)
Latest Update
VV ECMO Can be though of as "IV gas exchange" aims to deliver enough oxygen to support
end-organ perfusion.
ECMO directors Dr. Devaleria & Dr. Sen
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) A Consortium developed in 1989 that
defines ECMO guidelines and maintains a registry of all ECMO patients
Contraindications to V-V ECMO Cardiogenic Shock, chronic respiratory failure, uncontrolled
sepsis and multi-organ failure
Father of ECMO? What does he believe? Dr Robert Bartlett; he believes al patients should
have a Hgb of 15g/dL
Test to confirm Hemolysis lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and plasma free Hemoglobin (sent
out ever 3 days plasma free hgb)
Air Entrainment This originates from the pre-pump side of the circuit, will seize a centrifugal
pump, and requires rapid assessment for the source. Specialist much watch closely, and
prepare to clamp oxygenator outflow (ECMO Arterial)
Chatter This colloquialism is intermittent venous line obstruction that causes variable ECBF
(Ecmo Cannula bloodflow).
Arterial Decannulation This Emergency will result in rapid exsanguination, Clamp the
outflow immediately
, Low Flow/No Flow The inability of the centrifugal pump to generate output. Remedied by
reducing pump speed.
VV ECMO blood gas optimization is titrated according to Pt.'s arterial blood gas
Signs of Oxygenator Failure increasing Delta P
increasing ECMO PCO2 despite increased sweep on blender
Decreasing ECMO PO2 despite increased FIO2 on the blender
Bioderm Cath Grips and CHG Tegaderm are changed? Every 7 days
Hourly ECMO monitoring and Assessment Requirements include Circuit check
Cannulae site assessment
Circuit pressure /flow/blender settings
N/V assessment of cannulated limbs.
Type and screen This is done every 3 days and must remain up to date entire time patient is
on ECLS
Roller Pump Has no sensitivity to afterload
What directly controls CO2 removal and FIO2 Air/ oxygen gas blender
Centrifugal pumps Hardware that provides laminar flow, it is preload dependent, and
afterload sensitive
What ECMO access is ideal for mobilization, susceptible to malposition, and more technically
difficult to place. Dual lumen /bicaval cannula (aka Crescent/ Avalon)
