Abstract
Introduction
Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is used for refractory hypoxemia, although despite this, in high cardiac output states, hypoxaemia may persist. The administration of beta-blockers has been suggested as an approach in this scenario, however the physiological consequences of this intervention are not clear.
Methods
We performed an in-silico study using a previously described mathematical model to evaluate the effect of beta-blockade on mixed venous and arterial saturations (
Results
In scenario 1: simulating a patient with high cardiac output and partial lung shunt
Conclusion
The administration of beta-blockers for refractory hypoxemia during VV ECMO are unpredictable and may reduce oxygen delivery, although this will vary with patient and circuit features. This study does not support the use of beta-blockers for this indication.
Keywords
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Supplementary Material
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