Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in postneonatal children

Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postneonatal children appears adequate to support the use of this procedure, provided that the normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

All children undergoing this treatment, including those treated after cardiopulmonary bypass, should be entered onto the international registry of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).