Ethics Discussion Paper: Ethical Considerations for Withdrawal of VA-ECMO Support for Patients in Cardiogenic Shock if Prognosis is Poor

Authors

  • Ramandip Randhawa Michener Institute of Education at UHN

Abstract

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced form of life support for individuals with critical illnesses affecting their heart and/or lungs. Some conditions in which ECMO may be considered include myocarditis, sepsis, cardiogenic shock, and respiratory failure. It can be used as a bridge to recovery, bridge to heart/lung transplant, bridge to ventricular assist device (VAD) transplantation for lengthier circulatory support, or bridge to decision therapy where prognosis is unclear but there is still a chance of recovery. With venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO), blood is drained from a vein into the ECMO circuit before entering an oxygenator where gas exchange occurs across a semi-permeable membrane. This oxygenated blood is then returned to the patient via an artery. VA-ECMO provides both respiratory and cardiac support by delivering adequate tissue perfusion. Individuals are typically supported by VA-ECMO for hours to weeks depending on the progression of the medical condition.

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Published

2022-11-25

How to Cite

Randhawa, R. (2022). Ethics Discussion Paper: Ethical Considerations for Withdrawal of VA-ECMO Support for Patients in Cardiogenic Shock if Prognosis is Poor. MICH: The Student Journal of the Michener Institute of Education, 4(1). Retrieved from https://journals.publicknowledgeproject.org/michener-student/index.php/michener-student/article/view/5133

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2022): MICH; Volume 4

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Ramandip Randhawa

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