Evolution of the Extracorporeal Life Support Circuitry

Abstract

The first reported cases of the successful use of extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS) occurred in the early 1970s. The circuit included a DeBakey-type roller pump and a spiral wound silicone membrane oxygenator. Until recently there have only been some small changes to the design and components of the circuit. During the Sixth International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion (May 6–8, Boston, MA, USA), we conducted a survey on the components of the circuits as well as the monitoring strategies of ECLS procedures. As a result, we received over 40 replies from the attendants of the conference from 32 institutions and 10 countries all over the world. Based on these replies, we have the opportunity to better understand the current changes in the ECLS circuits around the globe. The objectives of this study are to share the recent survey results with the rest of the ECLS community and share the significant changes in our new Penn State Hershey ECLS circuitry.