ECCO₂R in Mild-to-Moderate ARDS: What a New Study Using PrismaLung+ Suggests

Acute Care • Healthcare Insight
Doctor checking patient information on screen in hospital

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO₂R) has long been viewed through the lens of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—but it’s a distinct therapy with a different objective: CO₂ clearance to support lung-protective ventilation.

In a new clinical study in 58 mechanically ventilated patients¹ with mild-to-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), investigators evaluated whether ECCO₂R could safely enable reductions in ventilation intensity while maintaining stable CO₂ and pH. Vantive's PrismaLung+ device, a single-use, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO₂R) product, was used in this study. 

In this interview, Dr. Kai Harenski, co-author of the study and Vantive’s global medical lead for Acute Therapies, explains what the data suggest and why technology design—including pump type and low-flow performance—may matter for the next generation of ECCO₂R research.

Key takeaways for clinicians

  • ECCO₂R may help enable gentler ventilation while maintaining physiologic CO₂ and pH
  • Ventilation intensity decreased across parameters including tidal volume, driving pressure, and mechanical power
  • No device or procedure-related serious adverse events were reported in the study population
  • Larger trials are needed to determine whether physiologic benefits translate to clinical outcomes

For safe and proper use of the products mentioned herein, please refer to the Operator's Manual or Instructions for Use.

References

  1. Combes A, et. al. Crit care. 2026; 30(1):15