Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO 2 R) has been proposed as an adjunctive intervention to avoid worsening respiratory acidosis, thereby preventing or shortening the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review will present a comprehensive summary of the pathophysiological rationale and clinical evidence of ECCO 2 R in patients suffering from severe COPD exacerbations.