The effects of nitric oxide on coagulation and inflammation in ex vivo models of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass

Malfertheiner MV, Garrett A, Passmore M, Haymet AB, Webb RI, Von Bahr V, Millar JE, Schneider BA, Obonyo NG, Black D, Bouquet M, Bartnikowski N, Suen JY, Fraser JF Artificial Organs DOI: 10.1111/aor.14608

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has extensive applications in managing patients with acute cardiac and pulmonary failure. Two primary modalities of ECLS, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), include several similarities in their composition, complications, and patient outcomes. Both CPB and ECMO pose a high risk of thrombus formation and platelet activation due to the large surface area of the devices and bleeding due to system anticoagulation. Therefore, novel methods of anticoagulation are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with extracorporeal support. Nitric oxide (NO) has potent antiplatelet properties and presents a promising alternative or addition to anticoagulation with heparin during extracorporeal support.