Is Veno-venous ECMO Support Indicated in Hypoxic Patients Post Resuscitation with Compromised Circulation?

Background: Severely hypoxic patients suffering acute lung failure may finally develop shock mandating mechanical resuscitation with consecutive circulatory instability on high inotropes. Prior to establishing ECMO support, there is a frequent debate whether veno-arterial or veno-venous support is appropriate. We report on patients placed on veno-venous support for primary lung failure despite severely compromised cardiocirculatory function.