Mechanical ventilation can cause damage to patient’s lungs. In our series of posts on ECLS, we examined ALUNG’s HEMOLUNG system. HEMOLUNG is an FDA cleared system for extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R). By removing metabolically produced CO2, HEMOLUNG helps patient’s lungs to rest and heal. Objective is to mitigate ventilation-induced lung damage.
The HEMOLUNG system consists of 3 components (Controller, Cartridge and Catheter). It has been designed as a “dialysis-like alternative to ECMO”. HEMOLUNG is taking part in VENT-AVOID clinical trial, whose aim is to show that ECCO2R device can be safely used to avoid or reduce time on invasive mechanical ventilation for AECOPD patients. Clinical results are pending (source 1, source 2).
A recent ECCO2R study on the use of HEMOLUNG, published 21 April 2022, showed benefit from ECCO2R in patients with AECOPD at risk of failing or not tolerating non-invasive ventilation. With commencement of ECCO2R improvements in respiratory acidosis, respiratory physiology and patient comfort were perceived.However, ICU and hospital length of stay were longer with ECCO2R, and there was no difference in 90-day mortality (source).
Read more about HEMOLUNG Respiratory Assist System:
