Ep 225 - A deep dive into ECMO with Andy Curry

The podcast delves into the complexities surrounding the use of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) and ECPR (Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), particularly in the context of cardiac arrest scenarios. It traces the history of ECMO from its early applications in neonatal care, highlighting the story of Esperanza, the first survivor of the procedure. The discussion covers the evolution of ECMO techniques, including veno-arterial and veno-venous methods, and addresses the ethical considerations of applying such advanced technology, emphasizing the importance of functional survival versus merely prolonging life. Real-world practicalities, such as resource accessibility and population density, are also considered, alongside the latest research and trials, including the ARREST, Prague, and Inception trials, to assess the effectiveness and appropriate patient selection for ECPR.