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ECMO-Free Protocol for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Management

N/A
Recruiting
Research Sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up from randomization to until the date of death or the date 24 hours after decannulation, whichever came first, through study completion, an average of 2 years.
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to test a routine for checking if patients on a life-support machine can safely stop using it. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. The study will compare this routine to the usual care methods.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adult patients currently receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in a participating hospital unit. It's not open to pregnant women, prisoners, minors under 18 years old, those on ECMO for over 24 hours, or individuals using it as a bridge to transplant.
What is being tested?
The study compares two approaches: the 'ECMO-free protocol' which involves daily assessments to determine if patients can safely stop using VV-ECMO versus 'Usual Care' where there isn't a set protocol for weaning off. The goal is to see if structured assessments improve outcomes and reduce time on ECMO.
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects are not listed here, generally reducing time on VV-ECMO may decrease risks associated with long-term use such as infections or blood clots. However, premature removal could lead to inadequate respiratory support.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~from randomization to until the date of death or the date 24 hours after decannulation, whichever came first, through study completion, an average of 2 years.
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and from randomization to until the date of death or the date 24 hours after decannulation, whichever came first, through study completion, an average of 2 years. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
60-day ECMO-free days
Unsafe liberation from VV-ECMO
Secondary study objectives
Duration of ECMO
Hospital-free days
ICU-free days
+3 more
Other study objectives
Duration of the intervention period (days)
Number of and specific reasons for "missed" enrollments
Number of and the specific exclusion criteria met
+9 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: The ECMO-free Protocol groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
For patients assigned to the ECMO-free protocol group, the study personnel will perform the ECMO-free protocol daily from enrollment until the first of death or ECMO decannulation; results will be recorded and shared with the treatment team. Final decisions regarding decannulation will be made by treating clinicians who are aware of the results of daily ECMO-free protocolized assessments.
Group II: The Usual Care GroupActive Control1 Intervention
For patients assigned to the usual care group, ECMO weaning and assessments of readiness for ECMO decannulation will be at the discretion of treating clinicians.

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) provides critical support by oxygenating blood outside the body and removing carbon dioxide, thus allowing the heart and lungs to rest and heal. The most common treatments during ECMO include anticoagulation to prevent clotting, careful fluid management to maintain optimal blood volume and pressure, and the use of inotropes and vasopressors to support heart function. Protocolized daily assessments for readiness to wean off ECMO are essential as they help identify the earliest and safest time to discontinue ECMO support, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall outcomes. This systematic approach ensures that patients are not kept on ECMO longer than necessary, which can minimize potential adverse effects and enhance recovery.
[Extracorporeal lung support in patients with severe respiratory failure secondary to the 2010-2011 winter seasonal outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in Spain].

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Vanderbilt University Medical CenterLead Sponsor
908 Previous Clinical Trials
934,527 Total Patients Enrolled
Jonathan D Casey, MD, MScStudy DirectorVanderbilt University Medical Center
4 Previous Clinical Trials
5,115 Total Patients Enrolled
~16 spots leftby Nov 2025