Check contraindications for ECPR. Contraindications include:
  • Age > 70
  • Arrest to first CPR > 5 minutes
  • Asystole as the initial rhythm
  • ETCO2 < 10 mmHg during CPR
  • Arrest to ECMO flow > 60 minutes
  • Known severe aortic insufficiency
  • Not suitable for ECPR from premorbid conditions (e.g., end-stage heart or lung disease, ESRD, liver failure with cirrhosis, severe neurologic impairment, terminal illness) or advanced directives
  • Patient wishes, advance directive, or DNR noted
^Relative contraindications are clinical characteristics that, if present, may increase the risk of patient harm with ECMO, or increase mortality. Patient selection should be based on whether ECMO provides a benefit to the patient and all “relative contraindications” should be considered within each individual clinical circumstance.

Are there any contraindications?