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)

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of sedatives and antimicrobials on ECMO (Ryan Rivosecchi / Safa Al Marzooq)

 

Critical Care Drug Management Challenges in ECMO

1. ECMO Drug Therapy Challenges

Dr Safa presents the complexities of drug therapy during ECMO, highlighting how it alters pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics—affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. She explains how medication properties, such as protein binding and lipophilicity, can lead to drug sequestration within the ECMO circuit, impacting efficacy. Understanding these changes is essential for maintaining therapeutic levels and improving outcomes in critically ill patients.

2. ECMO Anticoagulation and Sedation Protocols

Dr Safa outlines current anticoagulation practices, emphasizing the use of unfractionated heparin for its reversibility and short half-life, with monitoring via ACT, aPTT, and anti-Xa. She also addresses the sedation challenges in ECMO, noting increased sensitivity, altered pharmacodynamics, and the risk of tolerance, requiring multimodal approaches and careful titration.

3. ECMO Antibiotic Dosing Guidelines

Dr Safa discusses the lack of standardized antibiotic dosing guidelines in ECMO and the need for pharmacokinetic studies. She highlights the impact of increased volume distribution and circuit-related drug loss, recommending loading doses, renal-adjusted maintenance, extended infusions, and close therapeutic monitoring—especially for nephrotoxic or protein-bound agents like ceftriaxone.

4. ECMO Medication Dosing Strategies

Dr Safa reviews clinical data on drug dosing in ECMO, focusing on sequestration of lipophilic agents like midazolam and morphine, and rapid loss of dexmedetomidine. She explains that these drugs may require increased dosing, while antibiotics may benefit from prolonged infusions. She concludes by emphasizing a multidisciplinary strategy to optimize medication use in ECMO care.

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