SCCM Resource Library-Can't Stop, Won't Stop, Have to Stop: Decision-Making in ECMO Discontinuation

Can't Stop, Won't Stop, Have to Stop: Decision-Making in ECMO Discontinuation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Erica Andrist, an intensivist at Mott Children's Hospital, discusses the complex decision-making process regarding the cessation of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support for children. She emphasizes that ECMO is generally considered a bridge therapy, not a permanent solution, and highlights the ethical, medical, and logistical challenges inherent in stopping ECMO, especially when discontinuation could result in a patient's death. Andrist notes the lack of consistency among medical centers regarding the length of ECMO support, which can vary widely, creating potential equity issues in healthcare access and outcomes. She also addresses the ethical considerations of parental authority and shared decision-making in pediatric care, as well as the potential impacts of prolonged ECMO on healthcare workers and ICU resources. Andrist introduces her ongoing research aimed at understanding current practices and developing best practice guidelines for terminal decannulation in pediatric ECMO patients.

Asset Caption

One-Hour Concurrent Session | Deus Ex Machina: Decision-Making and Ethics in Pediatric ECMO

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Year 2024

Keywords

ECMO

pediatric care

ethical considerations

healthcare access

terminal decannulation

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