Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation contraindications

Contraindications to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are generally conditions which substantially increase the risks involved with extracorporeal support or conditions which are associated with significantly worse outcomes with extracorporeal support. Contraindications are typically differentiated as either absolute or relative contraindications, of which there are very few absolute contraindications to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The mostly widely cited contraindications to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are those proposed in the major expert consensus statements published in the literature and those recommended by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. In the following chapter, we will summarize these contraindications and explore the literature forming their foundation.