Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream in people who have elevated levels of carbon dioxide as a result of respiratory failure.[1]
The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is currently considered experimental, but it has been studied in a number of situations, specifically severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in adult respiratory distress syndrome where conventional mechanical ventilation would cause excessive lung damage.[1] [2]
It requires the insertion of a tube similar to a dialysis catheter into a large vein. Blood is pumped through a machine where the carbon dioxide is filtered out.[1]