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

Transmembrane pressure (ΔP = P1 − P2) reflects resistance across the oxygenator — rising ΔP indicates developing oxygenator thrombosis or fiber fouling.

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

CRRT machines can be connected to dedicated ports or tap points on the ECMO circuit, allowing concurrent renal replacement therapy without additional vascular access.

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

Oxygenator rated flow is defined as the blood flow at which outlet saturation reaches 95% given a standardized inlet saturation of 65%, indicating gas transfer efficiency.

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

While roller pumps have been used historically, centrifugal pumps offer better flow control, afterload sensitivity, and automated safety features that have made them preferred in current practice.

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

Heparin or other biocompatible coatings reduce surface thrombogenicity, decreasing contact activation and platelet consumption, often allowing lower systemic heparin requirements.

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test

CES ECMO Equipment & Technology 2