Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Future Application in the Critical Care and Anesthesia

Dear Colleagues,

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for patients with acute respiratory failure is evolving, particularly due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The recent COVID-19 emergency has placed an unprecedented burden on hospital resources, with a massive influx of patients requiring intensive care. This wave of critically ill patients has challenged healthcare systems around the world and prompted physicians to improve their skills in managing respiratory support, including the application of ECMO.

The experience gained from treating COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure has provided valuable insights into the optimization of ECMO therapy. Clinicians have refined their knowledge of ventilator management, adjusting ventilator settings and strategies to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. This improved understanding of respiratory support and the integration of ECMO into the treatment algorithm may lead to changes in the application of venovenous ECMO in the future.

The evaluation of this potential shift in ECMO application is crucial to ensure the best outcomes for patients with acute respiratory failure. By analyzing the evolving role of ECMO in the management of acute respiratory failure, healthcare professionals can determine the most effective and appropriate use of this life-saving therapy.

This Special Issue highlights the importance of assessing and understanding the evolving landscape of ECMO application as a rescue therapy for severe acute respiratory failure and its potential implications for future clinical practice and anesthesia field.

Dr. Gianmaria Cammarota
Dr. Davide Colombo
Guest Editors

Dr. Rachele Simonte
Guest Editor Assistant

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