Table 1.

Hypoxemia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): causes and recommendations

Causes	Recommendations
Recirculation	Check the position of the cannulae
Low flow with regards to metabolic demand	Adapt the diameter of the cannulae and correct hypovolemia
Failure of the oxygenator	Measure post-oxygenator blood gases
Inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and worsening of the pulmonary shunt	Measure pre, post-oxygenator and patient blood gases
Worsening of the pulmonary disease