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)

Echocardiography and Ultrasound in Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)

Overview

  • Talk by Dr. Hatem Soliman on the role of echocardiography (ECHO) and ultrasound in assessing patients on short-term MCS.

  • Covers intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella, and ECMO.

  • ECHO provides real-time, radiation-free, bedside assessment across all stages of device use.

1️⃣ Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)

Mechanism & Role

  • Oldest MCS device (since 1967).

  • Works by counterpulsation—inflates in diastole (↑coronary perfusion) and deflates in systole (↓afterload).

  • Provides ≈ 0.5 L cardiac output support.

Positioning

  • Inserted via femoral artery, balloon lies in descending thoracic aorta.

  • Upper tip = 2 cm below left subclavian artery; lower tip = above renal and mesenteric origins.

  • Transesophageal ECHO (TEE) preferred over fluoroscopy:

    • Confirms positioning and wire location.

    • Detects complications.

    • Rules out aortic dissection, atheroma, or vascular disease.

ECHO Utility

  • Pre-insertion evaluation.

  • Real-time placement guidance.

  • Post-insertion monitoring of LV dimensions, LV function, and LVOT VTI for augmentation efficacy.

2️⃣ Impella Device

Principle & Variants

  • Microaxial flow pump inserted via femoral or subclavian artery.

  • Draws blood from LV → aorta (continuous LV unloading).

  • Impella CP (3.5 L) = percutaneous + pigtail; Impella 5/5.5 L = surgical, no pigtail.

ECHO Guidance

  • Contraindicated in LV thrombus (contrast ECHO distinguishes thrombus from artifact).

  • Positioning: inflow 3.5–4 cm below aortic valve; visible pigtail below teardrop inflow.

  • Malrotation (“Crushed Pigtail Sign”) → suction events, hemolysis, arrhythmia.

  • Requires daily vascular assessment and Doppler for limb ischemia.

3️⃣ Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Configurations

  • VV ECMO – respiratory support (femoro-jugular or dual-lumen Avalon).

  • VA ECMO – full cardiopulmonary support (peripheral vs central configuration).

ECHO Functions

  • Guides diagnosis, cannulation, contraindication screening, daily monitoring, and weaning.

  • Key signs:

    • LV over-distension → no aortic-valve opening.

    • Differential hypoxia (Harlequin Syndrome): detect via right-hand SpO₂/ABG; managed with reconfiguration (e.g., VV-A).

  • Weaning: stepwise flow reduction (⅓ at a time) with serial ECHO + PAC assessment.

  • RV function crucial for success; assess with Doppler, portal and hepatic-vein flow, and strain imaging.

Key Takeaways

  • ECHO is central to MCS management—from selection to weaning.

  • Assess device position, hemodynamics, and complications continuously.

  • Incorporate multimodal imaging (lungs, hepatic, venous systems).

  • Training and accreditation are essential due to complex MCS–native flow interactions.

 

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