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
0/20
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)
0/22
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
0/19
Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) course (Copy 4)

🔹 Learning Objectives

• Classify four main types of respiratory failure

• Define updated Berlin definition of ARDS

• Identify common causes and triggers for ARDS

• Explain key pathophysiological changes in ARDS

• Outline evidence-based conventional ARDS management

• Recognize clinical criteria and timing for VV ECMO initiation

🔹 Case Summary

• 42M teacher, COVID-19+, severe hypoxemia unresponsive to NIV

• Progressed to severe ARDS by Day 2

• Intubated, lung-protective ventilation + NM blockade + proning

• Day 4: VV ECMO initiated due to refractory hypoxia

• Day 12: Successful decannulation

• Day 13: Extubated, transitioned to nasal cannula

🔹 Types of Respiratory Failure

• Type 1: Hypoxemic (PaO₂ <60, normal/low PaCO₂)

• Type 2: Hypercapnic (PaCO₂ >45, pH <7.35)

• Type 3: Post-op (due to low FRC)

• Type 4: Circulatory/metabolic (shock-related)

🔹 ARDS Definitions & Updates

• Berlin definition: Within 1 week, bilateral infiltrates, no cardiac cause, PF ratio-based severity

• Global update: Adds lung US, SpO₂/FiO₂ criteria, HFNC ≥30 L/min

• New categories: Non-intubated ARDS, ARDS in resource-limited settings

🔹 Common ARDS Etiologies

• Direct: Pneumonia, aspiration, trauma

• Indirect: Sepsis, pancreatitis, transfusion

🔹 Pathophysiology of ARDS

• Exudative Phase (0–7d): Inflammation, capillary leak, edema

• Proliferative Phase (7–21d): Alveolar healing, surfactant production

• Fibrotic Phase (>21d): Fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, poor prognosis

🔹 Evidence-Based ARDS Management

• Lung-protective ventilation: TV 6 ml/kg, Pplat <30, Driving P <15

• Proning: ≥16 hrs/day if PF <150 (PROSEVA trial)

• Fluids: Conservative strategy improves outcomes (FACTT)

• Steroids: Mixed evidence; beneficial in COVID-19 ARDS

• NM Blockade: Consider if PF <150 with dyssynchrony (ACURASYS)

• Recruitment maneuvers & HFOV: Not recommended (OSCILLATE, OSCAR)

🔹 VV ECMO: Indications & Timing

• Indications:

  • PF <50 for >3 hrs

  • PF <80 for >6 hrs

  • pH <7.25 with PaCOâ‚‚ >60 for >6 hrs

  • Murray Score >3

    • CESAR Trial: Improved outcomes when referred to ECMO center

    • EOLIA Trial: Trend toward mortality reduction, confirmed ECMO safety

    • COVID-19 Data: Comparable outcomes to non-COVID ARDS in high-volume centers

🔹 RESP Score

• Tool to predict ECMO outcome

• 12 variables; helps stratify patients into survival likelihood categories

• Class 1: >90% survival | Class 5: <20%

🔹 Practical Considerations for VV ECMO

• Favorable: <7d MV, no severe comorbidities, good lung compliance

• Caution: MV >14d, frailty, irreversible causes, multiorgan failure, bleeding risk

• Anticoagulation: ECMO can be run anticoag-free in selected trauma cases

🔹 Summary Recommendations

• Start lung-protective strategy early

• Use prone positioning if PF <150

• NM blockade if PF <150 and dyssynchrony

• Early ECMO if PF <80 or severe acidosis despite optimization

• Refer early to experienced ECMO center

• Avoid recruitment maneuvers & HFOV

• Tailor steroids and fluids based on patient profile

🔹 Golden Numbers in ARDS

• TV: 6–8 ml/kg

• Pplat: <30

• Driving Pressure: <15

• PF Thresholds:

  • <150 → Proning

  • <100 → Severe ARDS

  • <80 → Consider ECMO

    • NM Blockade: Use <48 hrs if PF <150

    • ECMO Decision: Murray Score >3, failing protective ventilation

 

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