Characteristics of venous‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation related bloodstream infections

Background Infectious complications have been shown to increase the morbidity of venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) population, including the use of right ventricular assist devices. Aim We aimed to evaluate our VV-ECMO population for ECMO related bloodstream infections (E-BSI) and characteristics that affect risk and overall outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review of adult patients (>18 years of age)supported with VV ECMO was conducted. Demographic data as well as antimicrobial use and presecence of bacteremia was collected. Results We report a low infection rate of 2.7%. Conclusions We postulate our low BSI rate may be due to our use of perioperative antimicrobials as well as a majority of our cannulations occurring in the operating room. We do not routinely utilize prophylactic antimicrobials on ECMO. Further investigation into trends, risks, and outcomes related to E-BSI is needed.