What is a potential complication of prolonged ECMO therapy?

Prolonged ECMO therapy can lead to organ dysfunction primarily due to venous stasis and a systemic inflammatory response. When a patient is on ECMO for an extended period, blood flow is diverted through the ECMO circuit. This diversion can lead to reduced venous return to the heart and prolonged stasis in certain areas of the vascular bed, increasing the risk for thrombosis and subsequent organ perfusion issues.

Additionally, the ECMO circuit introduces foreign surfaces into the bloodstream, which can trigger an inflammatory process. This inflammatory response may result in dysfunction of organs, such as the kidneys, liver, or lungs, due to inadequate blood flow or damage from inflammatory mediators. Prolonged ECMO not only complicates patient management but also carries risks associated with the effects of extended mechanical support on both clotting mechanisms and organ viability.

While other options suggest improvements in various areas or issues like reduced blood flow, they do not specifically address the multifaceted risks associated with prolonged ECMO therapy, particularly concerning organ function and the adverse effects of extended support.