In ECMO, what does an increase in sweep refer to?

In ECMO, an increase in sweep refers specifically to the increase in the amount of gas delivered to the membrane oxygenator. This adjustment is crucial for optimizing gas exchange within the ECMO circuit. When the sweep flow is increased, it elevates the flow of respiratory gas—commonly oxygen—over the membrane. This allows for enhanced removal of carbon dioxide from the blood, effectively improving ventilation and oxygenation for the patient. This is particularly important in settings where a patient is experiencing severe respiratory failure, as it helps facilitate better gas exchange and maintains adequate blood gas levels.

The other aspects of ECMO operation, such as blood flow through the system or the patient’s heart rate, pertain to different parameters that do not relate directly to the concept of sweep flow. While increased blood flow through the circuit can enhance overall system efficacy, and both oxygen saturation levels and heart rate are critical vital signs in patient monitoring, they do not define what an increase in sweep truly signifies in the context of ECMO therapy. Hence, the correct interpretation of an increase in sweep is tied to the enhancement of gas exchange facilitated by increased delivery of respiratory gas to the system.