Complications of mechanical ventilation Mechanical ventilation complications more common among neonates include Pneumothorax Asphyxia from endotracheal tube obstruction Ulceration, erosion, or narrowing of airway structures due to adjacent pressure from equipment Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) ECMO is a form of cardiopulmonary bypass used for infants with respiratory failure who cannot be oxygenated adequately or ventilated with conventional or oscillating ventilators.