CES ECMO Equipment & Technology 2

Question 1

Pre-membrane pressure (P1), post-membrane pressure (P2), and venous return pressure (P3) are used to calculate which ECMO parameter?

Accepted Answer

Transmembrane pressure gradient (ΔP), indicating oxygenator resistance

Answer

Pump RPM

Answer

Recirculation fraction

Answer

Circuit oxygen delivery (DO2c)

Question 2

Which ECMO system feature allows simultaneous hemodialysis circuit integration?

Accepted Answer

An inline CRRT port or circuit tap point allowing CRRT machine connection to the ECMO circuit

Answer

A built-in roller pump on the drainage line

Answer

A specially designed dual-chamber oxygenator

Answer

An extended bridge connector for parallel flow

Question 3

The rated flow of an ECMO oxygenator refers to:

Accepted Answer

The blood flow rate at which outflow blood oxygen saturation reaches 95% with inlet saturation of 65%

Answer

The maximum blood flow the pump can generate

Answer

The maximum sweep gas flow before membrane damage

Answer

The minimum flow required to prevent circuit thrombosis

Question 4

Why is a roller pump generally NOT preferred over centrifugal pumps for neonatal ECMO circuits today?

Accepted Answer

Roller pumps cannot generate negative pressure and require gravity drainage, but centrifugal pumps offer better flow control and safety features in modern systems

Answer

Roller pumps cannot generate sufficient flow for neonates

Answer

Roller pumps are incompatible with heparin-coated tubing

Answer

Roller pumps require a larger priming volume than centrifugal pumps

Question 5

What does 'biocompatible circuit coating' (e.g., heparin-bonded tubing) accomplish in ECMO?

Accepted Answer

Reduces contact activation of coagulation and platelet adhesion on circuit surfaces, potentially reducing required systemic heparin

Answer

Eliminates the need for systemic anticoagulation entirely

Answer

Sterilizes the circuit continuously during ECMO

Answer

Reduces hemolysis by cooling the blood

Question 6

Which pressure monitor location in the ECMO circuit provides the best early warning of drainage cannula obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Pre-pump (venous inlet) negative pressure gauge

Answer

Post-oxygenator pressure (P2)

Answer

Arterial line pressure on the patient side

Answer

Bridge connector pressure tap