Episode 1 – An Introduction to ECMO Terminology

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In this episode, Joe and Zack discuss some of the terminology and basics of ECMO and ECLS.

Terminology: (Synonyms)

• ECMO = Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
• ECLS = Extracorporeal Life Support
• CPS = Cardiopulmonary Support
• ECPR (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation)=ECLS initiation in the arresting patient

ECPR candidates:

• STEMI with refractory VFIB
• PE with shock or dysrythmia
• Aortic Dissection
• Massive OD
• Pregnant with Amniotic fluid embolus
• Hypothermia with temperature-dependent dysrythmia
• Trauma

Future podcast episodes will drill down into the details of ECMO initiation, but in this episode Zack and Joe discuss Zack’s recent case where Zack did it all: managed the code…placed the cannulas…and initiated bypass, right there in the Emergency Department.