Nitric Oxide in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO)

This pilot study is designed to investigate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide on cardiac, pulmonary artery, and systemic hemodynamics at various time points during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. Patients who have been initiated on VA-ECMO will be invited to participate. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) will be used early after VA-ECMO cannulation (once consent is obtained). After baseline hemodynamic, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters are assessed, iNO will be initiated and all parameters will be reassessed after 30 minutes and 6 hours. Inhaled nitric oxide will then be discontinued and all parameters repeated. At the time of VA-ECMO weaning (timing determined by clinical team), iNO will be reinitiated with repeat assessment of hemodynamic, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters both prior to the wean and after the wean (whether successful or not).