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Pulmonary
Concurrent

Entering the Gray Zone: Pushing the Boundaries of ECMO Candidacy

Sunday, March 22, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM Central Time
Location: W178

    Concurrent Session Moderator(s)

  • LN

    Lena Napolitano, MD, FACS, MCCM

    University of Michigan Health System

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has revolutionized the management of critically ill patients with severe cardiac and pulmonary failure. However, the boundaries of ECMO patient candidacy and selection remain controversial, especially in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, pregnancy, oncologic diseases, and a need for prolonged mechanical ventilation. This session will provide a cutting-edge review of the latest research, evolving protocols, and emerging research (including AI, Algorithms, prognostic scoring systems, guidelines and biomarkers) that are reshaping our approach to ECMO in these challenging scenarios. A panel of ECMO experts will critically analyze recent data and provide practical guidance for intensivists.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze the latest evidence on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, pregnancy, oncologic diseases and prolonged mechanical ventilation to refine patient selection criteria
  • Identify novel biomarkers and prognostic scoring systems that predict outcomes and help guide patient selection and management strategies for ECMO patients in these high-risk categories
  • Develop an evidence-based framework for ECMO initiation and management that balances risks, benefits, and resource allocation in controversial cases

Presentations:

  • 3:20 PM - 3:35 PM Central Time
    Lifesaving or a Bridge to Disaster: ECMO in Traumatic Brain Injuries

    Gaurav Sachdev, MD – Carolinas Medical Center

  • 3:35 PM - 3:55 PM Central Time
    Challenging Decisions: ECMO in Pregnancy and Oncologic Diseases

    Lena Napolitano, MD, FACS, MCCM – University of Michigan Health System

  • 3:55 PM - 4:05 PM Central Time
    Beyond Day 7: When Does Prolonged Ventilation Really Become a Contraindication for ECMO?

    Nicholas Teman, MD – University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center