Determination of brain death for adult patients with ECMO

Abstract

ECMO support in ARDS is an emerging strategy when conventional treatment modalities fail. ECMO has advantages on oxygenation and circulation but also it has some unfavorable effects. The most serious complication is brain death due to cerebrovascular hemorrhage. An apnea test is the most important component in confirming brain death. For patients supported by ECMO, apnea testing remains challenging. Brain-death diagnosis is often made without an apnea test.