Role of Ultrasound for Management of Critical Severe COVID-19 Patients with ECMO

Objective: To evaluate the role of ultrasound in the use and maintenance of ECMO for COVID-19 cases.Methods: During the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, three critically ill patients were treated with ECMO in our hospital. Bedside ultrasound was used throughout all procedures, including in the delivery and daily monitoring of ECMO.Results: Structural and functional changes of heart, pleural effusion, as well as thrombus formation in one patient’s right atrium were noted with ultrasonography. Using bedside ultrasound as a troubleshooting tool throughout ECMO therapy provided a lot of useful and reliable real-time information to assist clinical decision making.Conclusion: Ultrasound shall play an important role in the use and maintenance of ECMO for COVID-19 cases.