Commentary on the Homburg Lung: Pro/Con of Miniaturized ECCO₂R

Seiler et al.¹ demonstrate that a miniaturized ECCO₂R circuit is effective in removing carbon dioxide in hypercapnic respiratory failure. The impact on those patients with COPD appears to be quite favorable. The overall patient population is quite ill with multiple comorbidities, and the severity of their illnesses does not have many effective treatment options. The single-site approach to ECCO₂R with a mobile circuit allows for enhanced mobility with minimal access complications and will undoubtedly have an expanding role in the treatment of selected patients with respiratory collapse.