CVP CVP ECMO and Mechanical Circulatory Support

Question 1

What does the abbreviation ECMO stand for?

Accepted Answer

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Answer

ECMO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, a life-support technique that oxygenates and removes CO2 from blood outside the body.

Question 2

Which ECMO configuration provides both cardiac and respiratory support simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO

Answer

VA-ECMO returns oxygenated blood to the arterial circulation, bypassing both the heart and lungs to provide combined cardiopulmonary support.

Question 3

Veno-venous ECMO is primarily indicated for which clinical condition?

Accepted Answer

Severe isolated respiratory failure

Answer

VV-ECMO provides respiratory support only, returning oxygenated blood to the venous system for the patient's own heart to pump, making it suitable for respiratory failure with preserved cardiac function.

Question 4

Which type of pump is most commonly used in modern ECMO circuits?

Accepted Answer

Centrifugal pump

Answer

Centrifugal pumps are preferred in ECMO because they are less traumatic to blood cells, have no tubing wear, and are safer if flow is occluded.

Question 5

What is the typical ACT target range for anticoagulation during ECMO support?

Accepted Answer

180–220 seconds

Answer

An ACT of 180–220 seconds (or anti-Xa guided heparin with aPTT 60–80 seconds) balances circuit thrombosis risk against bleeding complications during ECMO.

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

(CVP) Cardiovascular Perfusionist Practice Test

CVP CVP ECMO and Mechanical Circulatory Support