Modifying a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit to reduce recirculation.

Lung rest is the primary goal of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure. To achieve this there has to be adequate extracorporeal flow. This can be achieved by a two-cannula technique in most cases. In some cases, extra flow is either not achievable or causes excessive recirculation. We report 8 patients in whom we achieved adequate blood and oxygen delivery using a three-cannula technique. Five patients survived (62.5%).