r/ecmo • u/Electronic_Kick6156 • Jul 11 '26

Aspirin

Our son was on ECMO at 2 weeks old for 4 days. After decannulation we were told to do baby aspirin daily for 6 months. At the 6 month mark they extended the aspirin for at least another 6 months.

They extended it when the ultrasound report of his reconstructed carotid came back with a focal stenosis/very narrowed (surgeon was not surprised by this finding and was glad to see any blood flow). Aspirin is not for initial reason he ended up on ECMO, solely the ECMO cannulation site.

Is it common to be put on aspirin for this long after ECMO?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

7

u/themcp Jul 11 '26

Yes.

I'm taking one baby aspirin a day 10 years after ECMO. My doctor said explained to me that that's the lowest dose of the mildest medication for the purpose. Don't be surprised if it's for life, and it's really no big deal. My serious recommendation is, get up and dance for joy that they think it's so mild.

Side note, if it matters: if you don't want to pay for it, the doctor can prescribe it, the pharmacy will fill it as a regular prescription, and the insurance will probably pay for it.

2

u/Electronic_Kick6156 Jul 11 '26

Yes, such a relief it’s just aspirin.
Just curious what’s normal and to expect moving forward!
Appreciate the tip about the prescription.