Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

( Int J Obstet Anesthesia . 2020;43:106–113) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a modified form of cardiopulmonary bypass used in intensive care units (ICU) in which venous blood is removed, pumped through an artificial oxygenating lung membrane and returned to the patient. Data on the use of ECMO in pregnant or postpartum patients is quite limited. This study explored the use of ECMO in pregnant and postpartum patients by reviewing published case studies and analyzing maternal and neonatal outcomes.