The effect of excessive gas to blood ratios in an ECMO oxygenator.

Introduction: Oxygenators for paediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) are required to operate over a wide range of flow rates, in a patient group ranging from neonates through to fully grown adolescents. ECMO oxygenators typically have a manufacturer's stated maximum gas: blood flow rate (GBFR) ratio of 2:1, however, many patients require greater ratios than this for adequate CO removal. Mismatches in GBFR in theory could result in high gas phase pressures.