Searching for the Lethal Corner By Gary Grist RN CCP Emeritus
In November of 1990, I was searching the medical library for new ideas pertaining to the perfusion profession. Having been a perfusionist since 1968, I knew all the common pertinent facts relating to cardiopulmonary physiology and extracorporeal support. But I… Read More
The Physiology of ECPR
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) patients have a unique physiology that is radically different than the run-of-the-mill ECMO patient. Beginning within the first 5 minutes of chest compressions and manual ventilation aka cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) there are changes that can have… Read More
Why Do We Wash The Blood Prime in the ECMO Pump? Nobody Else Does!
The initiation of CPB or ECMO results in the rapid exchange of blood at the rate of 100 ml/kg/min in infants. Cardiac arrest from the rapid infusion of PRBC is a well known complication of blood transfusions. Other electrolyte imbalances… Read More
Say “Hello” To ECMOjo !
Perfusion simulators for training are becoming very popular and a new Source Forge open source simulator called “ECMOjo” from Hawaii is now available to anyone wishing to test their skills in using a heart/lung machine in the form of an… Read More
The Oxygen Challenge On ECMO
THE OXYGEN CHALLENGE OR HYPEROXIA TEST ON ECMO The oxygen challenge or hyperoxia test for respiratory ECMO patients makes it easy to evaluate the lungs ability to transfer oxygen. The FiO2 on the ventilator is increased to 100% for 5… Read More
Chest Tubes And ECMO by Gary Grist RN CCP
Chest tubes can significantly contribute to complications in respiratory ECMO patients primarily due to bleeding from the chest wall into the chest cavity. One internal chest wound can seriously complicate ECMO efficacy and the need for a second tube amplifies… Read More
Perfusionists Need To Partner With A New Type Of Physician
The partnership between the perfusionist and the cardiac surgeon goes back to the very beginnings of open heart surgery. Even today, most perfusionists work under the auspices and authority of the heart surgeon or anesthesiologist. The vast majority of perfusion… Read More