ECMOve: A Mobilization Device for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Danny J.M. van Galen*, Quint Meinders, Frank R. Halfwerk, Jutta Arens

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
120 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary lifesaving treatment for critically ill patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Studies demonstrated the feasibility of in-hospital mobilizing during and after ECMO treatment preventing neuromuscular weakness and impaired physical functioning. Despite more compact mobile ECMO devices, implementation of ambulatory ECMO remains labor-intensive, complex, and challenging. It requires a large multidisciplinary team to carry equipment, monitor and physically support the patient, and to provide a back-up wheelchair in case of fatigue. Moreover, there is no adequate solution to ensure the stability of the patient’s cannula and circuit management during ambulation. We developed a system contributing to improvement and innovation of current ambulatory ECMO patient programs. Our modular cart-in-cart system carries necessary ECMO equipment, features an extendable walking frame, and contains a folding seat for patient transport. An adjustable shoulder brace with lockable tubing-connectors enables safe fixation of the blood tubing. ECMOve provides safety, support, and accessibility while performing ambulatory ECMO for both patient and caregiver. Prototype evaluation in a simulated intensive care unit showed feasibility of our design, but needs to be evaluated in clinical care.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)377-386
Number of pages10
JournalASAIO Journal
Volume70
Issue number5
Early online date20 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2024

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