Table 5.

Contraindications to cardiac ECMO according to the ELSO guidelines (33).

Use of ECLS is not recommended under certain circumstances, particularly if there is strong evidence for lack of capacity to recover or be treated
1. Cardiopulmonary extracorporeal life support is inappropriate if
(a) The condition is irreversible and/or,
(b) There is no timely, reasonable therapeutic option and/or,
(c) High likelihood of poor neurological outcome.
2. Absolute contraindications: Extracorporeal life support is not recommended in the following circumstances
(a) Extremes of prematurity or low birth weight (<30 weeks gestational age or <1 kg)
(b) Lethal chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Trisomy 13 or 18)
(c) Uncontrollable hemorrhage
(d) Irreversible brain damage
3. Relative contraindications
(a) Intracranial hemorrhage
(b) Less extreme prematurity or low birth weight in neonates (<34 week gestational age or <2.0 kg)
(c) Irreversible organ failure in a patient ineligible for transplantation
(d) Prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation (>2 week) prior to ECLS