Early Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation after Intubation Increases Outcome in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Background: Since March 2020, COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously challenged the global health care system. In patients with severe therapy-refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) remains the ultimo ratio therapy; however, the outcome is still not satisfying. Prolonged mechanically ventilation of ARDS patients, especially with high driving pressure, may further damage the lung and contributes to impaired outcome.