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)

 

Micro-axial LV Pumps (Impella) — Rapid Summary

Scope & Setup

  • Speaker/role: HF cardiologist & MCS medical director; focus on left-ventricular micro-axial flow pumps(Impella).

  • Context: Cardiogenic shock (CS) spiral → early Shock Team activation; temporary MCS early (before multiorgan failure); always define an exit strategy (recovery, LVAD/Tx, or palliation).

Hemodynamics & Candidate Selection

  • Pure LV CS profile: Narrow pulse pressure, ↓MAP/CO, cardiac power output (CPO) <0.6.

  • RV check: PAPi <0.9 suggests RV dysfunction; Impella favored when CPO <0.6 and PAPi ≥1 (preferably >2).

Device & Mechanism

  • Retrograde LV unloading: Catheter across aortic valve; drains LV → ejects to ascending aorta → ↓LVEDP, ↓pulmonary edema, ↑coronary and systemic perfusion.

  • Models: Impella CP (percutaneous, ~4.3 L/min, 14F sheath/9F pump); Impella 5.5 (surgical axillary, up to ~6.2 L/min).

Indications

  • Cardiogenic shock (primary),

  • High-risk PCI (LV dysfunction/left main),

  • ECpella/ELLA: LV unloading on VA-ECMO.

Evidence (from the lecture)

  • Cardiogenic shock (AMI/STEMI-predominant): DANger Shock trial—Impella + SOC ↓all-cause death vs SOC.

  • Guidelines (ACS 2025): In selected STEMI with severe/refractory CS, Impella is reasonable (not class I due to single RCT and ↑adverse events).

  • Observational data: Versus VA-ECMO—lower in-hospital mortality; long-term similar; outcomes hinge on exit strategy.

  • High-risk PCI: PROTECT II—no ITT advantage vs IABP; per-protocol signal only; pooled data not strongly supportive.

  • Impella 5.5 series/registries: Feasible for CS; allows bridging to LVAD/Tx; some myocardial recovery; safe beyond 14 days in experienced centers.

Contraindications

  • Mechanical AVR, LV thrombus, aortic dissection, severe PAD (access), severe AR; AS relative (wireable). Inability to anticoagulate problematic, especially during implant.

Implantation, Monitoring, Troubleshooting

  • Cath lab + fluoro/echo; confirm >3.5 cm LV depth; secure line.

  • Daily checks: CXR for position; labs for hemolysis (LDH, haptoglobin, bilirubin, Hb); limb perfusion.

  • Console alarms:

    • Diastolic suction: consider hypovolemia/RV failure/too deep → reduce speed, optimize filling, reposition.

    • Too shallow: LV pressure tracing pattern + high current → advance device.

  • Anticoagulation/purge: D5W purge (no saline); heparin if able; bicarbonate purge if heparin-intolerant; goal = prevent pump thrombosis.

Adverse Events (recognize/manage)

  • Bleeding, vascular injury/limb ischemia, stroke, hemolysis, device migration, pump thrombosis; risk varies with expertise and sheath size/duration.

Weaning & De-escalation (algorithmic)

  • Preconditions: resolving insult, improving organs, moderate vasoactive support, MAP ≥65, wedge ≤18, lactate <2, urine OK, LVOT-VTI >10, LVEF >~25%.

  • Stepwise speed reductions (P-levels) with reassessment; failure → consider LVAD/Tx.

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