The ECMO time increases with higher Viability Index Scores.
Theoretically the VI is a reflection of the status of the intracellular pH milieu; the higher the score the greater the disruption of intracellular physiology. So more time is needed to normalize homeostasis. This theory is supported by the fact that patients with an elevated VI who survive tend to be on ECMO for longer periods.
Perfusion Theory is an educational platform for the Oxygen Pressure Field Theory (OPFT). August Krogh’s theoretical concept of the oxygen pressure field is explained and then applied to clinical applications in perfusion practice.