Course Content
Module 1: Basic ECMO
Module I: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Basics (ECMO Basics) This module covers the foundational knowledge of ECMO, including circuit physiology, components, and basic ECMO management. Duration: 3 Weeks (Course weeks 1 to 3) Week 1: Introduction to ECMO Week 2: ECMO Physiology & Circuit Management Week 3: ECMO Complications and Troubleshooting Module I Pretest: 30 MCQs
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Module II: Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO)
This module focuses on the use of VV ECMO in patients with respiratory failure. Topics include ARDS management, VV ECMO cannulation strategies, and VV ECMO troubleshooting. Duration: 3 Weeks (Course weeks 4 to 6) Module II Pretest: 30 MCQs Week 4: VV ECMO Fundamentals Start Date: July 20, 2025 a. Respiratory failure and ARDS management (Ahmed Magdey) b. Evidence for VV ECMO use and landmark trials (Hesham Faisal) c. VV ECMO cannulation techniques and pros and cons of different VV ECMO configuration choices (Moustafa Esam) d. ECMO Retrieval and Patient Transport on ECMO (Ahmed Labib)
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Module III: Veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA ECMO)
This module focuses on VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock, including cannulation strategies, LV unloading, and advanced applications. Duration: 3 Weeks (Course weeks 7 to 9) Module II Pretest: 30 MCQs
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Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) course (Copy 4)

 

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) — Rapid Summary

Concept & Components

  • Mechanism: Inflate in diastole → ↑diastolic & mean arterial pressure (MAP), ↑coronary/systemic perfusion; deflate at systolic onset → vacuum effect, ↓afterload.

  • Hardware: Catheter with distal pressure lumen + helium inflation lumen (fast laminar flow) and a mobile console.

  • Sizes (adult): 35 cc (<≈162 cm) and 40 cc (≈162–183 cm).

Triggers & “Auto”

  • Triggers: ECG (default), Pressure (during CPR), Pacer V/AV or A, Internal (brief pauses in compressions/OR).

  • Auto mode: Uses ECG + pressure algorithm; correct timing ~“most of the time.”

Indications (lecture framing)

  • Cardiogenic shock refractory to ≥2 inotropes/pressors (evidence largely negative).

  • Low CO post-CPB (weaning aid).

  • Mechanical complications of AMI: Acute MR (papillary rupture) and post-MI VSDstrong benefit(afterload reduction → favors forward flow; ↓shunt).

  • Intractable ischemia / left main pending CABG / adjunct to high-risk PCI: weak evidence.

  • LV unloading on VA-ECMO.

Hemodynamic Effects & Bedside Assessment

  • Effects: ↓SBP (~afterload drop), ↑DBP (augmentation), ↑MAP, ~20% CO rise (≈0.5–1.0 L/min), possible ↓HR.

    1. Augmented diastolic > native systolic (check at 1:1).

    2. Assisted aortic end-diastolic < native diastolic (set 1:2).

    3. Assisted systolic < native systolic (set 1:2).

      Augmentation criteria (prove it works):

Timing Errors (recognize & impact)

  • Too early inflation / late deflation (long inflation time): harm—↑afterload, impedes ejection (“step on systole”).

  • Late inflation / early deflation (short inflation time): loss of benefit—suboptimal augmentation/afterload reduction.

Contraindications

  • Absolute: >mild aortic regurgitation; aortic dissection/major aneurysm.

  • Relative: Uncontrolled sepsis/bleeding, severe PAD (access issues).

Insertion & Positioning

  • Approaches: Femoral (common femoral); central (surgical, descending aorta); axillary (facilitates ambulation).

  • Confirm: CXR tip ~2 cm above left main bronchus / distal to subclavian on TEE.

Complications

  • Vascular: Limb/visceral ischemia, emboli, vascular injury, pseudoaneurysm, major bleed.

  • Non-vascular: Sepsis, thrombocytopenia, stroke (rare, malposition/air).

Anticoagulation (context-dependent)

  • No firm consensus; weigh thrombosis vs bleeding. Often avoided early post-cardiac surgery; commonly used in CCU AMI settings.

Weaning

  • Preferred: Ratio wean (1:1 → 1:2 → 1:3), observe 4–6 h at each step.

  • Alternative: Volume wean (reduce augmentation).

  • Remove only when on minimal/off inotropes/pressors and hemodynamics/organ perfusion stable; keep 1:1 while awaiting removal, set standby during extraction.

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