learnECMO 2: Why Would You do ECPR?

The podcast explores the global background and current evidence surrounding extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Pete McKinney from Learn ECMO defines ECPR as the rapid deployment of VA ECMO during cardiac arrest when conventional CPR fails. The discussion covers the prevalence of ECPR, referencing the ELSO registry and resuscitation guidelines from Europe and Australasia. It highlights the importance of differentiating between in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due to varying timeframes for ECMO establishment. Studies from Taiwan, Korea, Berlin, and Melbourne are examined, emphasizing the critical role of door-to-ECMO implantation time and patient selection for successful outcomes. The podcast also touches on the French experience with pre-hospital ECPR and the ongoing prospective work in Sydney.