In vitro evaluation of a new heating system of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system for children

We proposed a new heating system (NHS) for an ECMO for children. This time we studied the heat retention effects and condensation prevention effects of the NHS with basic experiments. The experimental equipment consisted of three elements: the NHS, an experimental ECMO system, and an experimental heat exchanger. The NHS consisted of a convective air warming system and a vinyl sheet to cover the ECMO system. The first experimental method recorded the transitions in the circulating water temperature in the ECMO system for each of 8 types of ECMO management methods. Another test method studied whether condensation occurred in the NHS equipment and in the control equipment over 12 hours of ECMO operation. The results showed that the NHS has the heat exchange performance and the condensation prevention effect needed for ECMO management. This strongly suggested that the NHS most likely be put into practical use.