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)

1) Intra aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)

  • Mechanism

    • Polyethylene balloon filled with helium (low viscosity/diffusion).

    • Inflates in diastole → augments diastolic BP/coronary perfusion.

    • Deflates in systole → mild afterload reduction, ↓ workload/O₂ consumption.

    • Support: ~0.5–1 L/min.

  • Triggering & Settings

    • Triggers: ECG, pressure, pacing, or spontaneous.

    • Frequencies: 1:1 → 1:2 → 1:3 (wean often unnecessary in shock).

    • Augmented BP is not used to titrate vasoactives; use MAP.

  • Placement & Alarms

    • Commonly femoral; also axillary/brachial; confirm by CXR.

    • Alarms: low helium, gas leak, no trigger (switch ECG↔pressure).

    • Migration more common axillary; may need adjustment.

  • Rupture (Emergency)

    • Turn off, remove promptly (clotting risk), raise BP, 100% FiO₂/non-rebreather or ventilator, Trendelenburg.

  • Trials/Outcomes

    • IABP-SHOCK II (AMI shock): no outcome difference vs standard care.

    • Alt-SHOCK II (decomp HF): futility, notable bleeding/vascular/limb ischemia.

    • Guideline note (US): against routine use in AMI shock (context from talk).

2) Impella (example: CP)

  • Mechanism

    • Pigtail catheter pump in LV: unloads LV, ↓ LVEDP/volume, ↓ work/O₂ use.

    • Pumps to ascending aorta: ↑ MAP, forward flow, coronary perfusion.

    • Typical support ~3.5 L/min (CP); larger surgical version higher.

  • Access & Positioning

    • 14F sheath (femoral/axillary); peel-away + repositioning sheath.

    • Confirm with echo (parasternal long) and console waveforms (LV & aortic).

  • Complications/Management

    • Thrombus/heat if inadequate anticoagulation; device off → emergency removal/replacement.

    • Migration: adjust via locking hub under echo.

    • Vascular issues higher than IABP; mitigate tension/stitching.

  • Evidence

    • DANGER-Shock (STEMI shock, non-comatose): mortality reduction; higher complications; expertise required.

3) VA-ECMO (brief)

  • Pros: Strong peripheral perfusion, oxygenation, transportable cannulation.

  • Cons: Stroke/bleeding/vascular risks; ↑ afterload (ensure aortic valve opens; risk aortic thrombus).

  • Trial Mentioned: ECLS-Shock (AMI shock, high lactate/very sick): no outcome difference vs standard care.

  • Variant: LAVA-ECMO (LA drainage via septostomy) for indirect LV unloading.

4) Systems, Complications, Troubleshooting

  • Complications common: bleeding, limb ischemia, device migration, suction/chugging.

  • Mitigation: micropuncture, ultrasound/fluoro/angiography, anticoagulation, echo, invasive hemodynamics.

  • Shock Team & Workflow

    • Early recognition, early support, invasive hemodynamics, hub-and-spoke transfers, wean/escalate by protocol.

    • Multidisciplinary ICU collaboration essential.

5) Practical Pearls

  1. Titrate vasoactive drugs to MAP, not augmented BP.

  2. For hypotension/suction alarms: check position, volume, bleeding, RV failure, acidosis.

  3. When uncertain: re-review indication, imaging, hemodynamics, call for help.

Saving Lives Academy
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.