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)

1) ECMO Clinical Phases

  • Cannulation: candidate selection, cannula size/flow; lower initial shock severity → earlier weaning.

  • Escalation (24–48h): resuscitate; faster lactate and organ marker clearance → earlier weaning.

  • De-escalation/Weaning: ↓ flows, diurese, ↓ inotropes.

  • Decannulation: echo-guided confirmation, then remove.

2) Plan Exit Early

  • If recovery unlikely: consider LVAD/temporary VADs, VVA/VV ECMO, or palliation.

3) Readiness to Wean

  • Stable MAP, CI, and falling inotropes.

  • Pulse pressure returns/widens.

  • Echo: improving LV/RV function.

  • Perfusion markers: lactate and liver enzymes improving.

  • Tidal CO₂ rise (>5 mmHg) may indicate native circulation returning.

4) Weaning Mechanics

  • Maintain sweep (unlike VV).

  • Gradually reduce ECMO flow (e.g., to 2–2.5 L/min); ensure anticoagulation at low flows.

  • Before destination therapy, assess brain (awakening/CT).

5) Lung Readiness

  • Perform oxygen challenge and ventilation assessment.

  • If heart improves but lungs lag/Harlequin (north–south) appears → consider VVA or VV.

6) Ramp (ECBF Reduction) Study

  • Method: reduce flow ~1 L steps over ~30–45 s; observe hemodynamics + echo.

  • Abort if CVP rises, MAP falls, or instability.

  • Hemodynamic targets: MAP ≥60 mmHg; pulse pressure ≥30 mmHg.

  • Echo targets (at lowest flow):

    1. LVOT VTI >10 cm

    2. EF ≥25%

    3. LV not dilating

    4. Mitral lateral S’ ≥6 cm/s

    5. RV: no dilation or septal shift; coupling helpful

      • S’ / RVSP >1/3 or TAPSE / RVSP >1/2

7) Decannulation Trial

  • Option A: Clamp ECMO ~5 min with echo.

  • Option B: PCRTO (retrograde trial-off) to avoid clotting.

  • If ramp passes: keep low flow (~2 L/min) overnight, then decannulate.

8) If Ramp Fails or Gray Zone

  • Re-optimize (preload/afterload, gas exchange, revascularize, vent LV as needed) and retry.

  • If multi-organ failure: consider one-way decannulation after goals-of-care discussion.

  • If single-ventricle failure persists: bridge to LVAD/transplant.

9) Case Pearls

  • Post-RV infarct: successful wean when RV tolerated preload, AV opened, PP >30, EF ~45%.

  • Post-surgery RV failure: abort ramp if RV dilates/septum shifts at modest flow.

  • Central VA with LV apical vent: clamp RA drainage to test RV; rising LV vent flow indicates readiness to convert ECMO→LVAD, then durable HeartMate 3.

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