Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may provide temporary cardiopulmonary support during high-risk structural heart procedures or life-threatening complications. In procedures such as TAVR, emergency VA-ECMO can maintain circulation and oxygenation during complications such as cardiac arrest, refractory shock, and coronary obstruction. ECMO stabilizes the patient while the structural heart team identifies and treats the underlying complication, supporting recovery or serving as a bridge to additional intervention.

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The education provides a comprehensive introduction to ECMO, including its purpose, common indications, configurations, circuit components, settings, and underlying physiology. It review VA and VV-ECMO, hybrid and parallel configurations, patient and circuit monitoring, anticoagulation, laboratory testing, potential complications, weaning, decannulation, and the use of emergency VA-ECMO during TAVR complications.

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This presentation establishes a consistent foundation of ECMO knowledge for nurses, technologists, and other cardiovascular team members. It supports clinical readiness, effective communication, early recognition of patient or circuit complications, and the safe delivery of coordinated care for patients requiring temporary cardiopulmonary support.