Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical intervention for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure, requiring careful management of anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic complications. This review examines current practices and challenges in ECMO anticoagulation, focusing on strategies, agents, and emerging insights. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) remains the most commonly used anticoagulant, monitored via activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or activated clotting time (ACT). Increasing attention is given to alternative tools like anti-Xa and viscoelastic assays (VEA), which offer potentially more reliable results. Supplementation with antithrombin should be considered if levels fall below 50%-70% to optimize heparin efficacy. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is occasionally used due to its predictable pharmacokinetics, though challenges in dosing and reversal limit its application. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as bivalirudin, are valuable alternatives, particularly for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), though their cost and availability remain barriers. Anticoagulation in ECMO patients is complex, balancing the risks of thrombosis and bleeding. Factors such as patient age, underlying conditions, and ECMO-induced coagulopathies complicate management. Personalized anticoagulation protocols and point-of-care VEA are emerging as effective tools for improving therapy. Routine no-anticoagulation strategies are not recommended unless there are significant bleeding complications. Ongoing research into novel anticoagulants and the long-term impact of anticoagulation on ECMO outcomes is critical. Anticoagulation management in ECMO continues to evolve, focusing on individualized approaches, improved monitoring, and better outcomes. Standardized protocols and further research are essential for optimizing care in this high-risk population.

• Keywords
• Anticoagulation, Argatroban, Bivalirudin, ECMO, LMWH, UFH,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin is used worldwide as a standard anticoagulation therapy for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines. However, its use brings about significant bleeding and thrombotic complications for critically ill patients. This case report shows that low molecular weight heparin together with ECMO-produced primary haemostasis pathology can be used as an alternative way of ECMO anticoagulation. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper presents the case of a patient with respiratory failure who subsequently suffered from cardiac failure and spent 94 days on combined V-V and V-A ECMO devices (two ECMO devices running simultaneously on one patient) with intravenous enoxaparin used instead of unfractionated heparin anticoagulation. No life-threatening bleeding/thrombotic events happened during this period, nor did any technical problems with ECMO occur. CONCLUSIONS: In this case report, continuous intravenous low molecular weight heparin anticoagulation was used as a safe alternative to ECMO anticoagulation.

• Keywords
• ECMO, Enoxaparin, Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, LMWH, PFA 200, Primary haemostasis,
• MeSH
• Anticoagulants adverse effects   MeSH
• Enoxaparin MeSH
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight MeSH
• Heparin adverse effects   MeSH
• Hemorrhage etiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation * adverse effects   MeSH
• Thrombosis * etiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anticoagulants MeSH
• Enoxaparin MeSH
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight MeSH
• Heparin MeSH