6.6.1 Criteria to withdraw ECLS
Remove VV-ECMO. The oxygen concentration of the ECMO air-oxygen mixer has dropped to 21%, the air flow rate has dropped to 0, and the ventilator is not strong enough. Lasting for 2–3 h, the respiratory rate is within 25 breaths/min, SpO2 > 92%, PaCO2 is normal, and withdrawal from VV-ECMO may be considered.
Remove VA-ECMO. The blood flow rate is reduced to the rate of (0.2 to 0.5 L / min) every 5 to 6 h from 3 L/min, and the hemodynamic condition is stable. The blood flow rate is reduced to 1.5 L/min within 24 h. If there is a bridging tube, the arteriovenous end can be connected with a bridging tube to form an ECMO circuit for self-circulation, so that the body’s hemodynamics is driven by the heart. If hemodynamics is stable for at least 6 h, consider removing the machine.