Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - Contraindications

Contraindications

Most contraindications are relative, balancing the risks of the procedure (including the risk of using valuable resources which could be used for others) vs. the potential benefits. The relative contraindications are:

1. Conditions incompatible with normal life if the patient recovers
2. Preexisting conditions which affect the quality of life (CNS status, end stage malignancy, risk of systemic bleeding with anticoagulation)
3. Age and size of patient
4. Futility: patients who are too sick, have been on conventional therapy too long, or have a fatal diagnosis.