A wet-primed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit with hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator maintains adequate function for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation after 2 weeks on standby.

Objective: To assess the durability of wet-preprimed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits for potential use in resuscitation after a 2-wk period of storage.Design: Experimental laboratory study.Setting: Tertiary care pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.Subjects: None.Interventions and Measurements: 14 ECMO circuits (polyvinyl chloride and super-Tygon tubing with hollow-fiber oxygenator, Medos Hilite 800LT) were primed with crystalloid under sterile conditions and stored for 0 (control, n = 4), 7 (n = 5) and 14 (n = 5) days and maintained at 8 degrees C on pump at 10 rpm and gas flow at 0.2 L/min. Daily samples were inspected for plasticizers by means of high-performance liquid chromatography and for microorganisms by culture and polymerase chain reaction techniques. After storage, the oxygenators were primed with red blood cells (hemoglobin, 12 g/dL) and tested in vitro with a deoxygenator according to Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standards. Oxygen and CO, transfer rates were calculated by standard formulae at maximum blood flow (800 mL/min) and maximum sweep gas flow (1.6 L/min).Conclusions. A wet-preprimed ECMO circuit with hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator can be stored for up to 2 wks with adequately preserved function if prepared appropriately. These data may improve safe access to rapid-response ECMO support.