What physiological impact does prolonged ECMO support have?

Prolonged ECMO support does indeed correlate with an increased risk of infection and complications. This is due to several factors related to the nature of ECMO therapy and its impact on the body. When a patient is placed on ECMO, they are subjected to a system that bypasses normal respiratory and circulatory processes, which can lead to complications such as bleeding, thrombosis, and infection, particularly at the cannulation sites.

The artificial components used in ECMO, including tubing and the oxygenator, can introduce foreign materials that the body reacts to, increasing the potential for infection. Additionally, patients receiving prolonged ECMO often have other underlying conditions that can further complicate their health status and heighten the risk of infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia or central line-associated bloodstream infections.

While the other options may seem plausible, they do not accurately reflect the physiological impacts of prolonged ECMO support. Enhanced myocardial contractility, improved lung elasticity, and reduced oxygenation efficiency are not typically associated outcomes of extended ECMO usage; rather, prolonged support requires careful monitoring and management of complications that often arise.