A Randomised Controlled Trial of Venovenous ECMO to De-Sedate, Extubate and Mobilise in Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
To determine whether a strategy of adding venovenous ECMO to mechanical ventilation, as compared to mechanical ventilation alone, increases the number of intensive care free days at day 60, in patients with moderate to severe acute hypoxic respiratory failure.
• Patients ≥18 to 65 years old
• Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure characterised by new or worsening respiratory symptoms developing within 2 weeks prior to the onset of need for oxygen or respiratory support
• Mechanical ventilation of \<7 days
• Moderate to severe respiratory failure, as demonstrated by two P:F ratios \<150mmHg at least 6 hours apart. Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) with P:F ratio \> 150mmHg are permitted between the two trial inclusion ABGs.
• Trial of proning (unless contraindicated)