Extracorporeal Life Support for Adults

This book presents a concise, evidence-based review of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for adult diseases. It describes the use of ECLS with patients who are experiencing severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (ARDS and pneumonia), ventilatory failure (status asthmaticus and COPD), cardiogenic shock and circulatory or gas exchange failure following complications in cardiothoracic surgery, as well as its use as a bridge to lung transplant. Historically, clinicians have used ECLS as a last resort; however, this text details the technological improvements, evidence of improved outcomes and adverse consequences of alternative treatments that are causing this modality to be more commonly adopted. Topics include a description of the complex physiology and technology underlying ECLS; the evidence base for its use in specific clinical conditions; vascular access techniques; daily management of the circuit and patient; guidance regarding the weaning and decannulation process and recommendations for crisis management and rehabilitation related to ECLS. Extracorporeal Life Support for Adults is ideal reading for practicing physicians, nurses, perfusion specialists, therapists and critical care trainees who are considering whether to refer their patients for ECLS or are already providing ECLS and are seeking a practical reference to best practices and updated information.   

“This multiauthored book describes applications of mechanical cardiopulmonary support in a variety of clinical conditions. … Physicians using ECLS, personnel providing technical support such as nurses, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists, and senior trainees considering ECLS in their practices are an appropriate audience for this book … . An excellent set of tables and illustrations have high didactic quality. … summary of core physiology and available evidence for various applications of this technique. … Providers using ECLS should have this book.” (David J. Dries, Doody's Book Reviews, May, 2016)

Dr. Schmidt’s investigative interests are in the areas of ICU ultrasound, sepsis therapy, ARDS, and judging the adequacy of volume replacement in patients in shock. With his former colleagues Jesse Hall and Lawrence D. H. Wood, he edits Principles of Critical Care (McGraw-Hill), now in its 4th edition. Clinical interests include extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), septic shock, bedside ultrasound to guide fluid management, and analysis of ventilator waveforms of pressure and flow.