Evaluation of Membrane Lung Function in High-altitude Regions

Over the last 20 years, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used to support adult patients with respiratory or cardiac failure who are unlikely to survive conventional treatment methods. ECMO circuit, pump, and oxygenator technology improvements permit safer perfusion for extended periods. The prolonged use of an ECMO circuit increases the risk of membrane lung (ML) dysfunction. The ML is responsible for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. The non-biologic surface of the ML triggers inflammatory and coagulation pathways, resulting in the formation of blood clots, breakdown of fibrin, and activation of white blood cells, which ultimately leads to ML dysfunction. Coagulation and fibrinolysis activation can cause systemic coagulopathy or hemolysis, and the deposition of blood clots can block blood flow. Moreover, the accumulation of moisture in the gas phase and th