Randomized Trial of Venovenous ECMO Added to Mechanical Ventilation for Adults with Moderate to Severe Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether adding venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation VV ECMO to mechanical ventilation improves outcomes for patients with moderate to severe acute hypoxic respiratory failure. This trial aims to see if this combined approach increases the number of days patients are free from intensive care within 60 days. The study is a phase 2, randomized controlled trial enrolling 140 patients, addressing the risks of lung damage and complications from sedation and paralysis caused by mechanical ventilation alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive VV ECMO along with anticoagulation within 24 hours, alongside reduced sedation, extubation, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation as best practice. The other group will receive standard intensive care including mechanical ventilation and sedation weaning. If patients worsen, they may start VV ECMO according to specific clinical criteria. This design allows comparison of ECMO plus ventilation versus ventilation alone. During the trial, patients will be monitored for intensive care unit free days up to day 60 and sedation levels up to day 28. Researchers will assess survival, earlier discharge from intensive care, and safety measures. The study involves regular clinical assessments and follows patients through their hospital stay, aiming to find ways to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and complications from sedation in critically ill patients.

Trial of Venovenous ECMO to De-Sedate, Extubate and Mobilise in Hypoxic Respiratory Failure