The use of extracorporeal life support systems in patients with acute respiratory insufficiency

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most common causes of admission to the intensive care unit that frequently requires mechanical ventilation and in the most severe cases, rescue therapies are implemented to correct refractory hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia (severe breathing problems). Among these, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (a machine for breathing support) is increasingly used, as it proved to be effective in supporting the function of failing lungs. However, ECMO is a complex technique and the management of patients receiving ECMO support is particularly challenging. The aim of this dissertation was to improve the management of mechanical ventilation and monitoring of lung function during ECMO and to improve the current knowledge of some complications occurring in patients receiving ECMO support. The results may help clinicians to improve patient monitoring and management during ECMO support.