The Use of an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation Laboratory Protocol Is Associated With Decreased Blood Product Use, Decreased Hemorrhagic Complications, and Increased Circuit Life*

Abstract

We demonstrate an association between an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation anticoagulation laboratory protocol using anti-factor Xa assays, thromboelastography, and antithrombin measurements and a decrease in blood product transfusion, a decrease in hemorrhagic complications, and an increase in circuit life. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate clinical benefit associated with the use of these laboratory values for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.