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)

VA-ECMO Monitoring — Summary

Purpose & Setup

  • Context: Peripheral VA-ECMO: venous drainage → pump → oxygenator/heater → arterial return (often femoral) ± distal perfusion cannula to protect the limb.
  • Goals: Hemodynamic stabilization, detect myocardial recovery, ensure systemic perfusion, and early complication detection via a multidisciplinary team.

Two-Pronged Monitoring

  • Patient: Hemodynamics, perfusion, neuro, respiratory, renal/metabolic, hematology.
  • Circuit: Flows, pressures, gas exchange, integrity, limb perfusion.

Hemodynamics & Perfusion

  • Core tools: ECG, arterial line, CVP, ± pulmonary artery catheter, echo, advanced monitors (PiCCO).
  • Targets: MAP ≥65 mmHg, cardiac index ≥2.2 L/min/m², CVP <15 mmHg.
  • Perfusion indices: Pulsatility (aortic valve opening), SvO₂, lactate, end-tidal CO₂, chest X-ray for pulmonary edema (LV distension), echo for LV/LA pressures.

Neurologic Surveillance

  • Methods: Serial exams (GCS, pupils, motor), NIRS, EEG, transcranial Doppler.
  • Aims: Detect hypoxic-ischemic injury, embolic/hemorrhagic stroke; imaging (CT/MRI) if delayed awakening or concern.

Respiratory Management

  • Ventilation: Lung-protective strategy (low VT, plateau <25 cmH₂O), avoid overdistension/atelectasis.
  • Watch for: Differential hypoxia (Harlequin syndrome)—upper vs lower body saturation gap.

Renal & Metabolic

  • Monitor: Urine output, creatinine, lactate, acid–base.
  • Actions: Avoid fluid overload; initiate CRRT when indicated (positive balance, oliguria, refractory acidosis).

Hematology & Anticoagulation

  • Routine: ACT, aPTT, anti-Xa (e.g., anti-Xa 0.3–0.5), correlate with TEG/ROTEM for goal-directed hemostasis.
  • Balance: Bleeding vs thrombosis; monitor oxygenator for clots.

Circuit Monitoring & Readiness

  • Parameters: Pump RPM/flow trends, pre/post-oxygenator pressures (ΔP for clot burden), post-oxygenator PaO₂/PaCO₂.
  • Emergency: Hand-crank, backup circuit, clamps, vasopressors/fluids/blood as needed.

Limb Perfusion

  • Tools: Doppler, NIRS (leg), clinical checks (color, temperature, tenseness), distal perfusion cannulaor grafts.

Imaging & Ultrasound/Echo Roles

  • X-ray/CT: Cannula position, complications.
  • Ultrasound: Vessel size/patency, DPC placement.
  • Echo (key): Cannula/flow guidance, LV/RV recovery, aortic valve opening, thrombus; weaning tests at reduced flow using EF, LVOT VTI, lateral mitral S′, MAP.

Microcirculation (Sublingual)

  • Method: SDF/IDF clips to derive TVD, PPV/PVD; trends help judge perfusion and weaning success.

Key Takeaways

  • Continuous, multimodal, integrated monitoring is critical.
  • Focus on early complication detection, organ support optimization, and objective weaning assessment to improve outcomes
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