Contraindications to ECMO support include:
a) CPR in progress
b) Current sepsis with positive blood cultures
c) Oncologic process in remission
d) Intracranial hemorrhage
e) Allergy to heparin or heparin induced thrombocytopenia
Answer d. ECMO can be used during CPR, in septic and oncologic patients in addition to the traditional uses in patients with PPHN, respiratory and cardiac failure. HIT or heparin allergy patients are treated with an alternative anticoagulant. Intracranial hemorrhage is a contraindication to ECMO due to the need for systemic anticoagulation; however, case reports of successful use of ECMO in patients with small intracranial hemorrhage have been reported.