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)

Team-Based Care in Cardiogenic Shock & PE — Summary

Why Teams Matter

  • Rising burden: Cardiogenic shock (CS) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have increasing incidence, diverse phenotypes/stages, high morbidity/mortality.

  • Drivers of poor outcomes: Delays in diagnosis/intervention, care variability, underuse of invasive monitoring and MCS.

Treatment Landscape

  • Pharmacology, revascularization, temporary MCS (bridge to decision/destination), destination therapy(durable MCS/transplant), and advanced ICU management.

Decision Models

  • Isolated decision-making: Miscommunication, delayed therapy, suboptimal MCS selection → worse outcomes.

  • Team-based model: Multidisciplinary input “puzzle pieces” align → faster, coordinated, safer care.

Core Elements of a Team-Based Model

  • Leadership & governance: Institutional backing; committees for protocols, education, registry/research.

  • Protocols: Activation, escalation, de-escalation with center-specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.

  • Registry: CS and PE databases for quality improvement and research.

  • Team members: ER, nursing, critical care, cardiology/interventional, CT surgery, hematology, others.

Cardiogenic Shock Team (CST)

  • Aims: Early diagnosis, phenotype & SCAI staging, timely definitive therapy, recognize futility.

  • Workflow: Suspected CS → activate CST → fellow bedside assessment/data → team huddle → execute plan → follow-up (escalate/wean/palliate).

  • Activation (typical): Hemodynamic instability (e.g., SBP ≤90 and/or inotropes) plus end-organ hypoperfusion (e.g., lactate >2).

  • Decisions: Stabilize (pressors/inotropes), diagnostics (echo, cath, invasive hemodynamics), revascularization, temporary MCS (often VA-ECMO ± vent), longer-term pathways (durable MCS/transplant/palliation).

  • MCS selection factors: Failing chamber (LV/RV/bi-V) and oxygenation status guide device choice.

  • Network (“hub-and-spoke”): Retrieval, on-site cannulation, transfer; or managed locally per capability; palliative pathway when appropriate.

Evidence Cited in the Lecture

  • CST programs: Associated with faster intervention (shorter door-to-balloon/MCS times), greater use of PA catheters, optimized MCS selection, less overall MCS use, more appropriate VA-ECMO, and lower mortalityvs non-team models (multiple centers/systematic review).

Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)

  • Scope: Early diagnosis/management using standardized algorithms; collaboration across specialties.

  • Activation: High-risk PE (unstable) and intermediate-high risk PE (stable with RV strain).

  • Algorithms: Diagnosis (clinical scores, CTPA; echo if CTPA not feasible), treatment selection (anticoagulation, systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapy, surgery, MCS), de-escalation, and clinic follow-up(anticoagulation plan, IVC filter decisions, RV recovery assessment).

  • Reported benefits: Reduced mortality/bleeding/LOS and increased appropriate use of advanced therapies.

Implementation Blueprint

  • Define purpose/objectives → appoint leadership → build team/committees → draft activation/escalation/weaning protocols & comms → simulation training → launch → audit/feedback → iterate protocols.

Saving Lives Academy
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