Low SvO2 during ECMO may be caused by:

a) Anemia

b) Left to right shunt via patent foramen ovale

c) Low cardiac output/inadequate pump flow

d) A and C

e) All of the above

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Answer

Answer d. Low SvO2 on ECMO is caused by similar causes as in the patient not on mechanical support – generally anemia, and low cardiac output. Left to right shunt would increase SvO2. Note that most ECMO pumps have a continuous SvO2 measurement that guides therapy.

Notes

This question originally printed in the Pediatric Anesthesiology Review Topics kindle book series, and appears courtesy of Naerthwyn Press, LLC.

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