Extubation of patients undergoing extracorporeal life support. A retrospective study.

Introduction: The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasing worldwide, in particular for the management of refractory cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock and post cardiopulmonary bypass ventricular failure. Extubation of patients under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for respiratory failure is a growing practice for adult and pediatric patients, especially for lung transplantation candidates. Because of potential complications and, specifically, accidental arterial decannulation, extubation of patients under ECLS is not standard practice.