ECMOve: A Mobilization Device for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Cardiopulmonary Support
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary life support for severe respiratory or cardiac failure.
• In-hospital mobilization during and after ECMO can prevent neuromuscular weakness.
• Current ambulatory ECMO implementation is complex, labor-intensive, and lacks adequate solutions for cannula and circuit stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative system to improve ambulatory ECMO patient programs.
• To enhance safety, support, and accessibility for patients and caregivers during ambulation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular cart-in-cart system (ECMOve) for ambulatory ECMO.
• The system includes an extendable walking frame, folding seat, and an adjustable shoulder brace with lockable tubing connectors.
• Prototype evaluation in a simulated intensive care unit setting.

Main Results:

• The ECMOve system was designed to carry ECMO equipment, facilitate patient transport, and ensure blood tubing fixation.
• Prototype evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of the design in a simulated environment.
• Further clinical evaluation is required to assess performance in real-world settings.

Conclusions:

• The developed ECMOve system offers potential improvements in safety, support, and accessibility for ambulatory ECMO.
• The system addresses key challenges in current ambulatory ECMO programs.
• Clinical validation is necessary to confirm the efficacy and benefits of ECMOve in patient care.