A review of venovenous and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates and children.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased since its inception. As this modality gained wider acceptance, its application in a variety of disease states has increased. The initial use of ECMO required cannulation of both the carotid artery and internal jugular vein (VA ECMO). Ligation of the carotid artery and concern regarding potential long-term sequelae prompted the development of the single cannula venous only (VV ECMO) technique. Various reports in the literature have compared VV ECMO and VA ECMO. We present a review of the literature with regard to both physiology and clinical application.