Evaluation of the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) oxygenator shunt flow on neonatal hemolysis: An in vitro study.

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is utilized in critically ill neonates with severe cardiopulmonary failure. Hemolysis is a potential complication and is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. The etiology of hemolysis in neonates is multifactorial, including shear forces generated by the ECMO pump, higher flow resistance from smaller tubing and smaller cannulas, the oxygenator, and other patient factors.