Episode 2 of Evid-ECMO features  Dr. David Willms, who is the Director of Critical Care Medicine at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Dr. Willms has over 25 years of experience with VA and VV ECMO and is an amazing resource for us at our hospital. Dr. Willms has been a key player in the development of our highly successful ECMO program at Sharp. Zack and Dave discuss two of the “big” articles in VV-ECMO for ARDS:

PDF: cesar-trial

Identification: 

Title:  Efficacy and economic assessment of conventional ventilatory support versus extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe adult respiratory failure (CESAR): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Authors:  Giles J Peek, Miranda Mugford, Ravindranath Tiruvoipati, Andrew Wilson, Elizabeth Allen, Mariamma M Thalanany, Clare L Hibbert, Ann Truesdale, Felicity Clemens, Nicola Cooper, Richard K Firmin, Diana Elbourne, for the CESAR trial collaboration

Location: UK-based multi-center trial

Source: Lancet. 2009 Oct 17;374(9698):1330

PMID: 19762075

Introduction:

Problem:  Does ECMO provide improved safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, when compared to traditional therapy, in patients with severe ARDS?

Significance: This is the first positive RCT that shows a statistically significant benefit of VV-ECMO for severe ARDS.

Methods:

Study Type: Randomized Controlled Trial

Subjects: 180 adults with severe ARDS were randomized to receive conventional management or referral to ECMO center.

Primary End-Point: Death or severe disability at 6 months.

Analysis: Intention to treat

Results/Conclusions: 

****THE BOTTOM LINE:  EDECMO Critical Assessment:  If you need a paper to support your use of VV ECMO for severe ARDS, this is your ammunition.

PDF:  ANZ ECMO

Identification:

Title: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with H1N1 influenza infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis including 8 studies and 266 patients receiving ECMO

Authors: The Australia and New Zealand Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ANZ ECMO) Influenza Investigators*

Location: Australia and New Zealand

Context:  The novel influenza A(H1N1) pandemic affected Australia and New Zealand during the 2009 southern hemisphere winter. It caused an epidemic of critical illness and some patients developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Source: JAMA, November 4, 2009—Vol 302, No. 17

Introduction:

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of all patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1)– associated ARDS treated with ECMO and to report incidence, resource utilization, and patient outcomes.

Significance: 

Methods:

Study Type: Retrospective Observational Study

****THE BOTTOM LINE:  EDECMO Critical Assessment:  In 2009, VV ECMO was used with success to combat severe ARDS caused by Influenza A (H1N1).

If you have a question for Dr. Willms you may post it in the comments section below or email him directly at [email protected]