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)

Summary: Extracorporeal CO₂ Removal (ECCO₂R)

1. Background & Rationale

  • Hypercapnia has harmful effects: neurological, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, immunosuppression, and worsened inflammation.

  • CO₂ is mainly transported dissolved/bicarbonate → easier to remove with low-flow extracorporeal circuits compared to oxygen.

2. Clinical Indications

a. ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome):

  • Allows lung-protective or ultra-protective ventilation (lower tidal volumes, plateau pressures).

  • Reduces risk of ventilator-induced lung injury.

b. COPD Exacerbations:

  • Reduces respiratory rate and work of breathing.

  • Allows longer expiratory time → prevents dynamic hyperinflation.

  • Corrects acidosis and may reduce need for invasive ventilation.

3. Evidence & Trials

  • Meta-analyses & small RCTs: show improved CO₂ clearance and reduced dyspnea but mixed outcomes for mortality and length of stay.

  • VENT-AVOID trial: ECCO₂R did not significantly improve ventilator-free days; higher mortality noted in NIV + ECCO₂R group.

  • NOVA study: demonstrated feasibility of ultra-protective ventilation facilitated by ECCO₂R but with notable device-related complications.

  • REST trial: no mortality benefit at 90 days; higher adverse events (bleeding, hemolysis).

    ➡️ Conclusion: ECCO₂R is feasible but benefits remain uncertain; risk of complications significant.

4. Devices & Techniques

  • Arteriovenous (AV) systems:

    • No pump; rely on patient’s arterial–venous pressure gradient.

    • Require stable hemodynamics and carry risk of distal ischemia.

  • Venovenous (VV) systems:

    • Pump-driven; more flexible and suitable for unstable patients.

    • Safer (avoid arterial cannulation) and more commonly used.

  • Flow rates & efficiency:

    • Low-flow devices (250–1000 ml/min) remove 40–150 ml/min of CO₂.

    • Efficiency depends on blood flow, sweep gas flow, and membrane surface area.

    • Hemolung: portable, low-to-moderate flow (~500–700 ml/min).

    • ProLUNG, iLA, and dialysis-adapted systems: higher flows, larger membranes.

      Commercial systems:

5. Complications

  • Bleeding, thrombosis, hemolysis, brain hemorrhage, pneumothorax.

  • Circuit thrombosis risk higher at low flow rates → need higher anticoagulation targets (aPTT/ACT).

6. Management & Weaning

  • Careful anticoagulation is essential.

  • Weaning considered once:

    • pH > 7.3,

    • respiratory rate < 25/min,

    • tidal volume ~6 ml/kg PBW,

    • stable gas exchange (PaO₂/FiO₂ > 200).

  • Gradual reduction of sweep gas before device removal.

7. Conclusion

  • ECCO₂R may be helpful in:

    • Severe COPD exacerbations (reducing need for intubation).

    • Facilitating ultra-protective ventilation in ARDS.

  • Limitations:

    • Evidence does not yet show consistent survival benefit.

    • High complication rates (bleeding, thrombosis).

  • Future role: still debated, requires further large RCTs.

 

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