Which ECMO configuration provides pulmonary support only?

• A. VA ECMO
• B. VV ECMO
• C. Both VA and VV
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

Pulmonary support only comes from a setup that handles gas exchange without providing added arterial blood flow. In this configuration, blood is drained from the venous system, passed through the ECMO oxygenator, and returned to the venous circulation, so the heart remains responsible for pumping blood to the body. This allows the lungs to rest and recover while the ECMO circuit manages oxygenation and CO2 removal.

In contrast, another configuration returns oxygenated blood to the arterial system, which supports both the lungs and the circulatory system, providing cardiac as well as pulmonary support. Since the question asks for pulmonary support alone, the venous-to-venous setup is the correct choice.