Dr. Hany Samir, Dr. Juan Carlos Zubieta, and perfusionists Rebecca Bolkavac and Joe Basha discuss ECMO as a bridge to transplant for patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension.
"Extracorporeal Life Support Bridge ECMO for Pulmonary Hypertension"
This educational video lecture titled "Extracorporeal Life Support Bridge ECMO for Pulmonary Hypertension" explores the application of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) as a crucial intervention in treating severe pulmonary hypertension. Presented by a knowledgeable perfusionist, this session is inspired by groundbreaking work out of Columbia University by Dr. Rosenswag and the team's remarkable experiences, especially in the realm of long transplantation and ECMO implementations.
Purpose and Inspiration
The presentation kicks off by acknowledging the paper that inspired it, emphasizing the cutting-edge ECMO techniques developed at small yet significant hospitals like Presbyterian and Vanderbilt, alongside the esteemed Columbia University. This session serves as a deep dive into using ECMO as a bridge therapy for patients suffering from critical pulmonary hypertension—a condition characterized by dangerously high blood pressure in the lungs' arteries, leading to heart failure.
Detailed Insights and Case Discussions
The lecture dives into the specifics of ECMO, discussing its dual role in providing life support while managing pulmonary crises. Highlighting various case studies, it demonstrates ECMO’s efficacy in stabilizing patients who typically present in dire conditions, thereby providing them with a lifeline until further treatment options can be deployed.
Challenges and Technical Considerations
Throughout the session, challenges such as patient selection, equipment handling, and the nuances of clinical application are thoroughly examined. The speaker discusses the technical aspects of ECMO setups, including the importance of nitric oxide and prostaglandins in managing the disease, despite the complexities and political issues surrounding their use.
Educational Value and Practical Applications
The video is structured to maximize educational value, featuring interactive elements that encourage viewer engagement and retention of complex concepts. It is designed not just to inform but also to equip perfusionists and medical professionals with practical skills and knowledge to enhance patient outcomes in their own clinical settings.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Viewers will gain insights into the integration of telemedicine and innovative approaches like terryakmo to push the boundaries of patient care into the future. This lecture also offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professionals seeking to expand their expertise and maintain certification.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Concluding on a high note, the lecture emphasizes the necessity of advancing ECMO strategies and adopting new technologies for better patient care outcomes. The session calls on medical professionals to engage with these advanced therapeutic strategies actively and apply them in their practice to save lives and improve the quality of care for patients with severe pulmonary conditions.
Joseph has been a practicing clinical perfusionist for 40 years. Joseph is the CEO of Houston Extracorporeal Technologies and is the program director of The New Orleans Conference
Dr. Hany Samir is the founder and CEO of HS Consulting for Telehealth, Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Anesthesiology and Critical Care with Weill Cornell Medical College at the DeBakey Heart
Juan Carlos Zubieta, MD, MPH graduated from Universidad Centroccidental in Venezuela in May of 1995. Dr. Zubieta received his MPH from Morehouse School of Medicine