How many units of heparin are administered once both wires are in during ECMO insertion?

During ECMO insertion, once both cannulation wires are in place, a common practice is to administer 5,000 units of heparin. This dosage is typically used to achieve anticoagulation and prevent complications associated with clot formation in the ECMO circuit.

Administering 5,000 units helps to maintain an appropriate level of anticoagulation for the patient undergoing ECMO, balancing the need for preventing thrombus formation within the circuit while minimizing the risk of bleeding. This dose is established as a standard in many protocols to ensure effective immediate anticoagulation as ECMO therapy is initiated.

Understanding the significance of proper heparin dosing is crucial for ECMO specialists, as it directly impacts patient safety and the functionality of the ECMO circuit. This particular dosing strategy is often supported by clinical guidelines and longstanding clinical practices in the field.