Table 4.

Differences between venoarterial and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Venoarterial ECMO	Venovenous ECMO
Higher PaO2 is achieved	Lower PaO2 is achieved
Lower perfusion rates are needed	Higher perfusion rates are needed
Bypasses pulmonary circulation	Maintains pulmonary blood flow
Decreases pulmonary artery pressures	Elevates mixed venous PO2
Provides cardiac support to assist systemic circulation	Does not provide cardiac support to assist systemic circulation
Requires arterial cannulation	Requires only venous cannulation