# ECMO without Anticoagulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $764,547

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Life support with extracorporeal circulation through a membrane oxygenator (ECMO) is a
mainstay of advanced critical care. However, clotting in the ECMO circuit and bleeding from the
patient are the major complications, accounting for morbidity and mortality in 30% of patients.
Surface–based coatings are available, but still require systemic anticoagulation because these
surfaces do not prevent platelet adhesion and activation. We have developed a nonthrombogenic
surface which prevents platelet activation at the surface. This could eliminate the need for
systemic anticoagulation and prevent major bleeding and circuit clotting complications. The
surface is based on nitric oxide (NO), which is the mechanism of surface anticoagulation of the
normal endothelium. The chemistry, coating, NO generation, and effectiveness have been tested
in preliminary studies. This research will refine the nitric oxide surface anticoagulation system
(NOSA), and demonstrate effectiveness compared to systemic anticoagulation. The results will
apply to nonthrombogenic surfaces for other extracorporeal devices such as hemodialysis,
hemofiltration, and cardiopulmonary bypass.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10475796
- **Project number:** 5R01HL155100-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Robert H. Bartlett
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $764,547
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10475796

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10475796, ECMO without Anticoagulation (5R01HL155100-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10475796. Licensed CC0.

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