ECMO EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What is ECMO? - Correct Answers -Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO),
also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), a technique of providing prolonged
cardiac and respiratory support
What are the 2 types of ECMO? - Correct Answers -Veno-Venous (VVECMO) and
Veno-arterial (VA ECMO)
What are some indications for VVECMO? - Correct Answers -- severe respiratory failure
that is potentially reversible
- hemoptysis or pulmonary hemorrhage
- chronic lung conditions, as a bridge to a lung transplant
VA ECMO - Correct Answers -Mechanical support and extracorporeal gas exchange
used for acute cardiorespiratory failure where B is removed from the venous system,
oxygenated outside of the body, and then returned to the arterial system to allow the
heart to rest & recover
VVECMO - Correct Answers -Mechanical circulatory support that provides full gas
exchange support in the case of severe respiratory failure by removing B from the
venous system, oxygenating that B, and then returning it to the venous system
What are some indications for VA ECMO? - Correct Answers -- cardiac conditions w/
low Q and hypotension
- cardiogenic shock
- post op heart failure
- post heart transplant
- bridge to long term Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) or bridge to heart or heart/lung
transplant
Absolute contraindications for starting ECMO (9) - Correct Answers -1. unwitnessed
cardiac arrest/prolonged CPR (>60min)
2. not a transplant/VAD candidate, or does not have an anticipated recovery
3. unrepaired aortic dissection
4. severe aortic regurgitation
5. unrecoverable severe brain injury
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What is ECMO? - Correct Answers -Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO),
also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), a technique of providing prolonged
cardiac and respiratory support
What are the 2 types of ECMO? - Correct Answers -Veno-Venous (VVECMO) and
Veno-arterial (VA ECMO)
What are some indications for VVECMO? - Correct Answers -- severe respiratory failure
that is potentially reversible
- hemoptysis or pulmonary hemorrhage
- chronic lung conditions, as a bridge to a lung transplant
VA ECMO - Correct Answers -Mechanical support and extracorporeal gas exchange
used for acute cardiorespiratory failure where B is removed from the venous system,
oxygenated outside of the body, and then returned to the arterial system to allow the
heart to rest & recover
VVECMO - Correct Answers -Mechanical circulatory support that provides full gas
exchange support in the case of severe respiratory failure by removing B from the
venous system, oxygenating that B, and then returning it to the venous system
What are some indications for VA ECMO? - Correct Answers -- cardiac conditions w/
low Q and hypotension
- cardiogenic shock
- post op heart failure
- post heart transplant
- bridge to long term Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) or bridge to heart or heart/lung
transplant
Absolute contraindications for starting ECMO (9) - Correct Answers -1. unwitnessed
cardiac arrest/prolonged CPR (>60min)
2. not a transplant/VAD candidate, or does not have an anticipated recovery
3. unrepaired aortic dissection
4. severe aortic regurgitation
5. unrecoverable severe brain injury
