ECMO Insights & Hospital Best Practices

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Patient Outcomes

No Longer a Last Resort: ECMO as a Bridge to Lung Transplant

ECMO has long been viewed as a last-resort therapy, especially in transplant settings. But new data shows that with the right infrastructure and team, ECMO can serve as a highly effective bridge to lung transplant—even in patients over 60 or those not yet listed at the time of cannulation. A recent study found no significant difference in survival between patients listed before vs. after ECMO initiation, challenging old norms and validating the “bridge to decision” approach. One-year survival among those transplanted reached 88%, rivaling national averages. The case of Ben Askren, a former MMA fighter who received a double lung transplant after ECMO rescue, underscores this potential. As more hospitals implement full-spectrum ECMO programs, these findings reinforce the life-saving possibilities when time, expertise, and flexibility align.

August 4, 2025

Education

Understanding the Difference: VA ECMO vs VV ECMO

VA ECMO vs VV ECMO: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Hospital Program
Understanding the difference between VA ECMO and VV ECMO is essential for hospitals building or expanding ECMO capabilities. This guide breaks down their clinical uses, strategic implications, and what every hospital leader should know before launching a program. From patient types to staffing and reimbursement, learn how to build an ECMO service that performs.

July 2, 2025

Research

To Prone or Not to Prone: Navigating Mixed Evidence for Positioning During ECMO

Should patients on VV-ECMO be placed in the prone position? This article explores the evolving body of evidence — from observational studies to the PRONECMO randomized trial — and what it means for hospitals managing ARDS cases with ECMO support. Learn why prone positioning remains a debated intervention, what subgroups may benefit most, and how IEC encourages an individualized, safety-first approach grounded in both data and bedside experience.

June 9, 2025

Healthcare executive and clinician discussing ECMO strategy—representing collaborative hospital integration and leadership alignment.

Research

AI and ECMO: The Future of Mortality Prediction in Critical Care

A new study using machine learning to predict 28-day mortality in VA ECMO patients could change how we manage risk in the ICU. With over 93% predictive accuracy using routine clinical data, this AI-driven model (eCMoML) offers ECMO teams a practical, real-world tool for patient selection, care planning, and resource optimization. Learn why this breakthrough matters—and how it could support your hospital’s next evolution in ECMO.

April 30, 2025

Digital perfusion system with touchscreen controls and blood pump monitors—supporting surgical precision and control.

ECPR

Expanding ECPR’s Role in Perioperative Care

Cardiac arrest during surgery or interventional procedures is rare—but when it happens, every second counts. A new study from UCLA reveals that implementing a rapid-response ECPR protocol during the perioperative period can dramatically improve survival rates, far outperforming standard resuscitation in high-risk environments like cath labs and ORs. Learn how structured perioperative ECPR programs can bridge the gap between access and action—and why hospitals can’t afford to wait.

April 22, 2025

Clinician reassuring a patient at the bedside with a confident handshake—delivering trust and stability in critical care moments.

Education

4 Key Benefits of Becoming an ECMO Specialist for Nurses and Respiratory Therapists

If you’re a critical care nurse or respiratory therapist ready to break through the ceiling of your career, ECMO specialization offers a powerful path forward. From mastering advanced life-support skills to joining elite teams and improving patient outcomes, ECMO expertise elevates your professional impact—and your earning potential. Discover how to become the specialist every ICU needs.

March 20, 2025