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Abstract

Advances in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology and equipment have allowed improvements in technique which simplify the pro cedure and increase its safety. We describe modifications to our neonatal ECMO circuit which permit use of a low priming volume (500 ml) and allow the circuit to be used in a transport setting. Major changes include the elimination of the priming reservoir, the addition of prebypass and arterial inline filters, the use of a small portable pump, and battery power backup of all components. The priming procedure has been substantially changed and its four phases are described in detail. As neonatal ECMO becomes more widely utilised, further refinements in equipment, procedure and technique can be anticipated.

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A modified circuit and priming procedure for neonatal ECMO

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