Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025

03:40
Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting
Published on: January 17, 2025
399
Simulators and Simulations for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An ECMO Scoping Review
Wytze C Duinmeijer1, Libera Fresiello2,3, Justyna Swol4
1Engineering Organ Support Technologies, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7522 LW Enschede, The Netherlands.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 11, 2023
Summary
Simulation-based training (SBT) can enhance extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) skills. A new classification reveals only low- and mid-fidelity ECMO simulators are currently available, impacting training quality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Cardiopulmonary Support
Background:
- High-volume extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centers demonstrate superior patient outcomes, likely due to extensive case exposure.
- Simulation-based training (SBT) offers a valuable adjunct for enhancing ECMO education, clinical skills, and interdisciplinary team dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a structured, objective classification system for ECMO simulators (ECMO sims).
- To categorize existing ECMO sims based on fidelity levels (low, mid, high).
Main Methods:
- Developed a classification system based on expert opinion regarding definition-based, component, and customization fidelity.
- Calculated overall ECMO sim fidelity using the median of these three fidelity components.
Main Results:
- The proposed classification system categorizes ECMO sims into low-, mid-, or high-fidelity levels.
- Current available ECMO sims were classified exclusively as low- or mid-fidelity.
Conclusions:
- The developed classification provides a standardized method for evaluating and comparing ECMO sims.
- This framework will aid designers, users, and researchers in assessing new developments and improving ECMO patient care.

