Anticoagulation in adult patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: guidance from the Scientific and Standardization Committees on Perioperative and Critical Care Haemostasis and Thrombosis of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Anticoagulation of patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is challenging because of a high risk of both bleeding and thrombotic complications, and often empirical. Practice in anticoagulation management is therefore highly variable. The scope of this guidance document is to provide clinicians with practical advice on the choice of an anticoagulant agent, dosing, and the optimal anticoagulant monitoring strategy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in adult patients.

Automated summary

This guidance document provides practical advice on anticoagulant selection, dosing, and monitoring strategy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in adult patients. Due to the high risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications, anticoagulation management is challenging and often empirical for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Therefore, there is considerable variation in practice.