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)
  • Introduction

    •  
    • Focus: Anticoagulation and thrombosis management in mechanical circulatory support (MCS), with emphasis on Impella devices and ECMO.

    • Discusses anticoagulation strategies, management of pump thrombosis, and thrombolytic therapy in ECMO/PE.

  • Impella Devices

    • Continuous antegrade blood flow pumps unloading the LV, improving forward flow.

    • Models: CP and 5.5 (most used for LV support), RP/RP Flex (RV support).

    • Duration originally 14 days, but often extended to weeks/months.

  • Anticoagulation & Purge Solutions

    • Heparin purge (25 units/mL) traditionally used to protect motor housing from thrombus.

    • Bicarbonate purge (25–50 mcg/mL NaHCO₃ in D5W): prevents protein denaturation/fibrin polymerization, reduces hemolysis, allows heparin-free strategy.

    • Systemic anticoagulation: ACT 160–180, Anti-Xa 0.3–0.6, APTT ~45–90s.

  • Survey Data (2019)

    • Most high-volume centers used heparinized purge solutions.

    • Alternatives: DTI (argatroban/bivalirudin) in purge or pure dextrose.

    • Routine hemolysis monitoring underused (<50%).

  • Heparin Exposure from Purge

    • Purge flow may deliver therapeutic systemic heparin even without IV infusion.

    • Strategies: adjust IV dose considering purge contribution, or manage IV infusion alone to avoid dosing errors.

  • Evidence on Anticoagulation Intensity

    • Lower APTT targets (40–60) reduced bleeding versus higher goals (60–80) without increasing thrombotic events.

    • Institutional practice: systemic bivalirudin with bicarbonate purge (safer, less bleeding, good survival).

    • Studies: Bivalirudin shows trend toward less bleeding and better therapeutic stability compared to heparin.

  • Pump Thrombosis Management

    • Signs: ↑ purge pressure, ↓ purge flow, ↑ motor current.

    • Therapy: Alteplase (0.04–0.08 mg/mL) infused via purge restores flow.

    • Institutional case series: 90% success, avg. 10 mg alteplase required.

  • ECMO in Pulmonary Embolism

    • VA ECMO used as a bridge to thrombectomy or CDT in massive PE/cardiac arrest.

    • Strategies:

      • Systemic thrombolysis + ECMO (higher bleeding risk).

      • ECMO + catheter-directed thrombolysis/thrombectomy (increasingly preferred).

    • Guidelines: CDT (fragmentation, aspiration, local lysis) reduces bleeding compared to systemic TPA.

    • Mortality higher with anticoagulation alone; ECMO + CDT shows best outcomes.

  • Emerging Concepts

    • Novel approaches: instilling Alteplase into ECMO oxygenator to delay exchange (experimental).

 

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