CES ECMO Indications & Patient Selection 2

Question 1

Which pediatric condition most commonly requires VA ECMO support?

Accepted Answer

Congenital heart disease post-surgery

Answer

Congenital heart disease following surgical repair is the most common indication for VA ECMO in the pediatric population.

Question 2

The SAVE score is used to predict survival in which ECMO population?

Accepted Answer

Adults on VA ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock

Answer

The SAVE (Survival After Veno-Arterial ECMO) score predicts survival in adults with refractory cardiogenic shock on VA ECMO.

Question 3

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) refractory to iNO is an indication for which ECMO modality?

Accepted Answer

VV ECMO if cardiac function is preserved

Answer

VV ECMO is preferred for PPHN when cardiac function is preserved, reserving VA ECMO for cases with concurrent cardiac failure.

Question 4

Which pre-ECMO factor is associated with worse outcomes in respiratory ECMO candidates?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical ventilation > 7 days before cannulation

Answer

Prolonged mechanical ventilation before ECMO initiation (>7 days) is associated with significantly worse survival outcomes.

Question 5

An awake ECMO strategy (ECMO without intubation) is primarily used to achieve what goal?

Accepted Answer

Avoid ventilator-induced lung injury and preserve respiratory muscle function

Answer

Awake ECMO avoids ventilator-induced lung injury and preserves diaphragmatic function, improving rehabilitation potential.

CES - Certified ECMO Specialist Practice Test