Comparison of the effect of venovenous versus venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on renal blood flow in newborn lambs

Abstract

VV and VA ECMO at partial bypass flows had comparable effect on blood pressure, renal blood flow and PRA level in this short-term study. However, unclamping of the ECMO bridges did differentially affect blood pressure and renal blood flow between VV and VA groups. We speculate that this repeated acute change in long-run VA ECMO support may play a role in the persistent hypertension seen in some patients.