Program

Hands-on Session

ECMO Hands-on Course:
A Unique Opportunity to Learn from the Experts

Are you interested in learning more about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and how to use it in various clinical scenarios? Do you want to enhance your skills and confidence in performing ECMO cannulation, troubleshooting, and transport? If yes, then you should not miss the ECMO hands-on course at the APELSO 2023!

The ECMO hands-on course is a four-part workshop that covers the essential aspects of ECMO management, from cannulation to retrieval. You will have the chance to interact with renowned experts in the field and practice on realistic simulators and manikins. The course is designed for both beginners and advanced learners who want to improve their knowledge and competence in ECMO.

The course will be held on November 2-4, 2023 at Iris, Camellia (2F) of the congress venue. The course fee is $150 USD per person (for each 2-hour course). The course is limited to 20 participants per course, so register now to secure your spot!

Here are the details of each part of the course:

1. Cannulation Simulation

  • Course director: Dr Sin, Wai Ching Simon (Hong Kong)
  • Time: November 2, Thursday (13:30 ~ 18:00)
  • Course description: In this part, you will learn how to perform percutaneous ECMO cannulation using ultrasound guidance and the Seldinger’s technique. You will also learn how to troubleshoot difficult cannulation and insert the Avalon cannula. You will watch a live demonstration of the essential ultrasound anatomy for cannulation, followed by a detailed introduction of the cannula characteristics and kits. Then, you will have the opportunity to practice cannulation on a manikin under the supervision of experienced instructors.
  • Learning objectives: By the end of this part, you will be able to:
    1. Understand normal ultrasound anatomy required for ECMO cannulation.
    2. Understand the importance of safety procedures on percutaneous ECMO cannulation with ultrasound guidance.
    3. Recognize the importance of equipment and patient preparation prior to cannulation.
    4. Demonstrate techniques on percutaneous cannulation using the Seldinger’s technique.
    5. Recognize the importance of communication with the team during percutaneous cannulation.

2. Pediatric ECMO Hands-on

  • Course director: Dr. Mark Ogino (USA), Hwa Jin Cho (South Korea), Lakshmi Raman (USA)
  • Time: November 3, Friday (08:00 ~ 12:30)
  • Course Description: The workshop will use the principles of adult educational tools to enhance the learners understanding of ECMO physiology. This is not a demonstration of the equipment and basic understanding of the ECMO pump and circuit will be necessary. The learners will be required to be ACTIVE participants in the scenario. The focus of the workshop will emphasize basic concepts and the application of their understanding of key physiologic concepts to common VenoVenous ECMO clinical scenarios. Cognitive, technical and behavioral skills essential to an ECMO team member will be incorporated into the simulation and discussed in the debriefing session. The key physiologic concepts will be recapped in the short review lecture.
  • Learning objectives: By the end of this part, you will be able to:
    1. Describe the differences in simulation versus traditional didactic education
    2. Discuss the impact of VV ECMO on circuit and patient physiology
    3. Determine the appropriate interventions when the circuit or patient problems are identified

3. Rotaflow Troubleshooting Simulation

  • Course director: Dr. Yanghyun Cho (South Korea)
  • Time: November 3, Friday (13:30 ~ 18:00)
  • Course description: In this part, you will learn how to use and troubleshoot the Getinge Rotaflow ECMO system, which is one of the most widely used systems in the world. You will learn about the components and functions of the system, as well as how to monitor and manage ECMO patients using it. You will also learn how to handle common and rare complications of ECMO therapy, such as circuit problems, cannula issues, bleeding, pump failure, and air embolism. You will see a demonstration of how to set up and initiate the system by an instructor. Then, you will participate in a simulation of various ECMO scenarios using a manikin and a mock circuit. You will also learn how to use the emergency drive unit and how to transfer the pump head to a new console in case of failure.
  • Learning objectives: By the end of this part, you will be able to:
    1. Learn the basics and components of the Getinge Rotaflow ECMO system.
    2. Recognize and handle ECMO complications, such as circuit problems, cannula issues, bleeding, pump failure, and air embolism.
    3. Practice initiating and maintaining the ECMO in simulation.

4. ECMO Retrieval/Transport

  • Course director: Dr. Kiran Shekar (Australia)
  • Time: November 4, Saturday (08:00 ~ 12:30)
  • Course description: In this part, you will learn how to perform ECMO retrieval and transport, which is a vital skill for ECMO specialists. You will learn about the processes and procedures in place to facilitate patient transport, as well as the description of a retrieval service. You will also learn about the equipment required and restrictions related to types of equipment and transport options. You will participate in scenarios that provide you with an opportunity to manage the logistics of patient transport, both in the hospital and between facilities. You will have to choose the equipment and staff options that you want to take with you, and give your reasons why. You will also have to deal with issues that may arise during the retrieval, such as patient deterioration, equipment malfunction, or environmental hazards.
  • Learning objectives: By the end of this part, you will be able to:
    1. Understand what is ECMO transport and why it is important.
    2. Understand the processes and procedures in place to facilitate patient transport.
    3. Understand the equipment required and restrictions related to types of equipment and transport options.
    4. Manage the logistics of patient transport in various scenarios.
    5. Handle issues that may occur during the retrieval.

We hope you are excited about this course as much as we are! This is a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the field and gain hands-on experience in ECMO. Don’t miss this chance and register now! We look forward to seeing you at the course!