ECMO-Free Protocol for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Management
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
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.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the ECMO-free protocol treatment?
The research suggests that implementing a protocol-directed strategy for weaning patients from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) can potentially reduce the duration of ECMO support and improve outcomes like ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as survival to hospital discharge.12345
Is the ECMO-Free Protocol generally safe for humans?
The safety of weaning from ECMO (a machine that helps with breathing and heart function) is not well-studied, and there are no standardized guidelines for safely stopping its use. However, the process is expected to reduce risks and costs if done safely, but more research is needed to understand how to do this effectively.13678
How is the ECMO-free protocol treatment different from other treatments for managing ECMO?
The ECMO-free protocol is unique because it focuses on safely weaning patients from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) by assessing their ability to tolerate noninjurious mechanical ventilation without the need for ECMO support. Unlike other treatments, this protocol aims to standardize the weaning process, which currently varies widely between centers and is often based on expert opinion rather than clinical evidence.12345
Research Team
Jonathan D Casey, MD, MSc
Principal Investigator
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria
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.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomization and Initial Assessment
Participants are randomized to either the ECMO-free protocol or usual care group and initial assessments are conducted
Intervention
Daily protocolized assessments of readiness for liberation from VV-ECMO are conducted for the ECMO-free protocol group, while usual care is provided to the control group
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after decannulation
Treatment Details
Interventions
- ECMO-free protocol (Procedure)
- Usual Care (Other)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Jeffrey R. Balser
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chief Executive Officer since 2009
MD and PhD from Vanderbilt University
Rick W. Wright
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chief Medical Officer since 2023
MD from University of Missouri-Columbia