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)

Septic Cardiomyopathy: Definition, Diagnosis & Management (ECMO Focus)

Overview & Impact

  • Context: Common in ICU sepsis/septic shock; talk by an ECMO consultant (25–30 min).

  • Incidence/Prevalence: Reported variably (10–70%) due to inconsistent definitions and criteria.

  • Outcomes: When diagnosed, mortality increases 2–3×; not included in common ICU scores (SAPS, APACHE, SOFA).

Pathophysiology & Features

  • Not CAD: Distinguished from atherosclerotic ischemia.

  • Onset/Pattern: Acute, may be LV, RV, or biventricular.

  • Proposed Mechanisms: Myocardial depressants/endotoxins, adrenergic hyperstimulation, myocardial edema (fluids), mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium dysregulation.

  • Septic Shock Confounders: Altered preload/afterload/contractility, vasoactive drugs, organ supports (RRT, NO).

Diagnosis (Echocardiography-Centred)

  • Primary Tool: Transthoracic echo preferred; TEE if needed.

  • LV Systolic Function (beyond EF):

    • LVOT VTI, TDI S′ (mitral annulus), MAPSE (>1.2 cm suggests normal EF).

    • Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS): Around −20% indicates good contractility.

  • Diastolic Function:

    • TDI e′ (septal/lateral) for relaxation.

    • E/e′ ratio (higher suggests elevated LV filling pressure).

  • RV Assessment: TAPSE and RV FAC alongside TDI.

Why Patients Fare Poorly

  • Host Factors: Older age, comorbidities, medications, sepsis/endocarditis, ischemia.

  • Perioperative/ICU Factors: Inadequate myocardial protection, bleeding risk, vasoplegia, prolonged bypass (contextual).

Pharmacologic Management (Current Signals)

  • Levosimendan: Mixed/negative data (including author’s ECMO-CRRT cohort and prior trials).

  • Dobutamine: Can cause tachycardia/hypotension; limited benefit.

  • Rate Control (Esmolol/Landiolol/Ivabradine): Conflicting RCT/meta-analytic results; no consistent outcome benefit.

Mechanical Circulatory Support (VA-ECMO)

  • Rationale: Reversible acute failure; supports circulation while myocardium recovers.

  • Evidence Highlights:

    • Early single-centre data (small n) showed EF recovery.

    • Multicentre controlled study (2020): In refractory septic cardiogenic shock (EF <35%), 90-day mortality lower with VA-ECMO (≈60% vs 25% control; significant).

    • Meta-analyses/observational syntheses: ~37–42% survival in carefully selected patients; better when EF very low and selection is rigorous.

  • Key Principle: Early identification, early referral, careful case-by-case selection (age, reversibility, echo profile).

Practical Takeaways

  • Three Messages:

    1. Septic cardiomyopathy is common by day 3–4 of septic shock and raises mortality.

    2. Echo-led diagnosis using VTI, TDI (S′/e′), MAPSE, GLS, and RV indices—do not rely on EF alone.

    3. VA-ECMO can be life-saving in selected cases; apply individualized criteria and team review.

Escalation Concept (Author’s Framework)

  • Stepwise: Fluids/antibiotics → norepinephrine → (consider) beta-blockers/dobutamine/levosimendan (context-dependent) → VA-ECMO at the top for refractory septic cardiomyopathy.

 

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