Sang L, Li Y M
Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou 510120, China.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2022 Jul 5;102(25):1895-1898. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220207-00241.
The mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients is very high, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been proved to improve the prognosis of these patients, but the maximization of this benefit relies on the appropriate mechanical ventilation strategy; with the new research evidence arise, scholars have reached a certain consensus on how to implement mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients supported by VV-ECMO, but there are still many controversies. Based on the evidences of current researches and clinical experiences, this article analyzes the hot issues of mechanical ventilation strategy for these patients, including the implementation of early 'overprotective' ventilation strategy, whether spontaneous breathing allowed, prone ventilation and ventilator weaning.