Retrospective analysis comparing hollow fiber and silicone membrane oxygenators for neonates on ECMO.

There is little information showing the use of microporous polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenators during extra-corporeal life support (ECLS). Recent surveys have shown increasing use of these hollow fibers amongst ECLS centers in the United States. We performed a retrospective analysis comparing the Terumo BabyRx hollow fiber oxygenator to the Medtronic 800 silicone membrane oxygenator on 14 neonatal patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The aim of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences when comparing pressure drops, prime volumes, oxygenator endurance, and gas transfer capabilities between the two groups.