Flow Analysis in VA ECMO Support: A CFD Study

ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a technique that supports vital functions through extracorporeal circulation, by raising blood oxygenation, reducing hematic carbon dioxide values (CO2), increasing cardiac output and acting on body temperature. In conditions of severe respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency, it allows the heart and lungs to rest by activating their ventilatory and pump functions. There are several ways to connect the ECMO system with the vascular system. This work studies the difference between central and peripheral cannulations by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics.