What are the challenges associated with transporting patients on ECMO?

The challenges associated with transporting patients on ECMO primarily revolve around ensuring adequate oxygen delivery and maintaining circuit stability. When a patient is on ECMO, their blood is being circulated through a complex system that provides oxygenation and removes carbon dioxide. During transport, various factors can influence the performance of the ECMO circuit, such as changes in position, movement, and external environmental conditions.

Ensuring that the circuit remains stable is crucial, as any disruption can lead to complications, including thrombus formation or inadequate blood flow to the patient. Additionally, maintaining adequate oxygen delivery is vital because any interruptions in the circuit or drops in pump flow can significantly affect the patient's oxygenation status. Thus, the safe transport of ECMO patients focuses heavily on these aspects to mitigate risks.

In contrast, while maintaining medication protocols and infusion rates and initiating new ECMO support may present some challenges, they are secondary to the more immediate concerns of oxygen delivery and circuit integrity during transport. Keeping patients fully awake during transportation does not align with standard practices, as most patients on ECMO are sedated or require monitoring that does not necessitate them being alert throughout the journey, making it less relevant to the primary challenges faced.