ECMO in the Adult Patient

ISBN: 9781107681248
ISBN-10: 1107681243
Copyright: 2017
Edition: 1st
Author: Vuylsteke, Alain, Brodie, Daniel, Combes, Alain, Fowles, Jo-anne, Peek, Giles,
Doody's Expert Review    Score: 90
Reviewer: David Dries,  MSE, MD  (Regions Hospital)
Description
This pocket-sized guide to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is part of the Core Critical Care series published by Cambridge University Press.
Purpose
ECMO is becoming a more popular therapy with a variety of applications including traditional cardiopulmonary failure, with recent inclusion of metabolic disorders, and as a bridge to transplantation of various organs. This is an easy-to-read introductory guide to this important technology.
Audience
Providers at any level requiring an introduction to this form of organ system support will appreciate this relatively brief book produce by authorities based in France and the U.K.
Features
After a brief testimonial from an ECMO survivor, the authors describe the composition of an ECMO service and the history of development for this therapy. They continue with a tour of the ECMO technology available and optimal case selection and initiation of treatment. Potential complications associated with ECMO are discussed, such as coagulation disorders and blood product management. Specific topics include use of ECMO for respiratory failure, transfer of patients supported by this technology, which is sometimes needed, and the sometimes difficult process of liberation of the patient from ECMO. Concluding chapters describe an important application of ECMO for carbon dioxide removal and the use of this means to support the patient requiring organ transplantation or donation. Finally, there is an overview of registry data available for ECMO and research opportunities. Tables are used to good effect, and black-and-white photographs are infrequent but reproduce with good quality. Chapters use only occasional essential references from primary literature or data websites.
Assessment
This is that essential, well-written, quick read necessary for physicians or allied health providers called upon to participate in the care of a patient requiring this type of organ system support. The excellent writing style and effective use of illustrations and tables are highlights.
Review Questionnaire
Range Question Score
1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10
1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10
1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5
1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 4
1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 4
1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5
1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 3
1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 4
1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 5
1-5 Are there sufficient references? 3
1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 4
1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5
1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 4
1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 5
1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10
1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? N/A