Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving modality, yet it carries inherent risks of device-related adverse events. This manuscript is a focused review of ECMO circuit mechanics, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Its narrow scope focuses specifically on mechanical complications originating from the blood pump and the extracorporeal circuit, up to the patient. Designed for surgeons and intensivists, the review provides an actionable, bedside framework for managing these complex systems. The interfacing of blood with artificial surfaces and high shear stress environments triggers profound hematologic injuries, including hemolysis, platelet consumption, acquired von Willebrand syndrome, and systemic thromboinflammation. To detect these insidious complications before catastrophic failure occurs, the authors emphasize the integrated interpretation of a core biomarker panel including plasma-free hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, and fibrinogen. The review also addresses physical circuit emergencies, identifying recirculation associated with veno-venous ECMO, as well as clinical signs of oxygenator thrombosis, catastrophic pump failure, and cavitation. The hope is to equip clinicians with immediate troubleshooting steps, such as pump-speed titration, volume resuscitation, and emergent circuit-exchange protocols. This focused review arms surgeons and intensivists with the critical mechanical and hemodynamic insights required to safely anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot extracorporeal support systems.

BACKGROUND:Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI), defined as an injury occurring to the carotid and/or vertebral arteries, occurs in ~1% of pediatric blunt trauma patients and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the McGovern score, a pediatric-specific screening tool for BCVI, and describe the effect of its implementation on the use of additional imaging for BCVI and the detection of BCVI. METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study of patients below 16 years old presenting with blunt trauma to the Pediatric Emergency Department of a tertiary care level 1 pediatric trauma center pre- (July 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021) and post- (December 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022) implementation of McGovern scoring into the clinical decision algorithm for blunt trauma. Patient characteristics, diagnostic studies used [including computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck vessels], and outcomes (BCVI, stroke, mortality), were obtained from the medical record and compared pre-McGovern versus post-McGovern score implementation. RESULTS:A total of 1189 patients were included in the study; 664 p reimplementation of the McGovern scoring and 525 postimplementation. Median age was 6 years (IQR 2 to 11), and 668 (56%) were trauma activations (leveled traumas), with no significant differences in patient characteristics between the 2 cohorts. Imaging for BCVI was performed in 13 (2.0%) patients in the preimplementation group and 27 (5.0%) patients in the postimplementation group ( P =0.003). BCVI was detected in 12/1189 patients overall (1.0%); 2 in the preimplementation group (0.3%), and 10 (1.9%) in the postimplementation group ( P =0.007). In the postimplementation group, the sensitivity of the McGovern score was 90% while the specificity was 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS:The implementation of the McGovern score into the pediatric trauma decision algorithm was associated with the detection of an increased number of BCVIs compared to the preimplementation group, with good sensitivity and specificity, but a significant increase in the use of imaging.

BACKGROUND:Pediatric trauma remains the leading cause of childhood mortality and contributes to over 8 million nonfatal injuries annually in children and young adults, with associated costs exceeding $908 billion. Despite its public health burden, pediatric trauma research is constrained by geographic dispersion of injuries, variability in care, and low volumes of critical injuries at individual centers. METHODS:The Summit convened 49 national experts from pediatric trauma, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, counseling, rehabilitation, research methodology, public health, and research organizations. Premeeting focus groups assessed baseline perspectives. In-person sessions focused on three goals: (1) develop a shared conceptual framework for collaborative research, (2) identify scientific priorities addressable only through network research, and (3) outline a roadmap for sustainable funding. Sessions included expert presentations, breakout discussions, and consensus building. RESULTS:Summit participants emphasized the need for standardized data collection, flexible center participation, mentorship of junior investigators, and harmonization of care practices to reduce intercenter variability. Scientific priorities included traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic shock, prehospital care, and child abuse. Standardizing functional outcomes and implementing predictive models were highlighted as essential. Funding strategies focused on philanthropic seed funding, industry partnerships, and long-term federal investment, with advocacy identified as a key factor for network sustainability. CONCLUSION:The third Childress Summit accelerated the development national pediatric trauma network research network grounded in the A+ Pediatric Trauma Research Network framework. A coordinated, inclusive, and strategically funded research network is essential to advancing pediatric trauma science and improving outcomes for injured children nationwide. ( J Trauma Acute Care Surg . 2026;100: 995-1000. Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Expert opinion, Level V.

Background The use of extended duration extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prolonged ECMO support heightens the risk of severe complications within the circuit, such as fractures of the cannula, complicating clinical management. Intervention A 16-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 3 following a rollover motor vehicle accident. Imaging indicated multifocal intracranial hemorrhage and diffuse axonal injury. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where Neurosurgery placed an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor and extraventricular drain (EVD). The patient developed hypoxemic respiratory failure due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With parental consent, veno-venous (VV) ECMO support was initiated. Cannulation went smoothly, and ECMO was maintained for nine days with minimal complications. However, on day nine, the cannula site began to ooze for 13 days despite several interventions, including dressing changes and attempts at suture repair. Inspection revealed a crack on the return side of the bicaval cannula, causing the bleeding. To avoid cannula exchange, Dermabond was used to seal the defect. Outcome Following the Dermabond application, the cannula site was hemostatic, and imaging showed stable cannula positioning. The patient remained on ECMO for an additional 49 days, ultimately achieving respiratory recovery and successful decannulation. He was later discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility and then home with a good prognosis. Conclusion Dermabond application for ECMO circuit repair proves is an effective strategy for minimizing risks related to cannula exchange during circuit dysfunction.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) utility in management of choledocholithiasis may decrease length of stay and patient cost, but postoperative management remains widely debated. We examined periprocedural LFTs for patients undergoing LCBDE and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) speculating for trend existence after successful LCBDE. We hypothesized that postoperative LCBDE LFTs would not downtrend even after successful ductal clearance. We identified 99 patients under 18 who underwent ERCP or LCBDE with at least one pre- and post-procedural LFT. Periprocedural LFTs between groups were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The 22 ERCP patients demonstrated a significant downtrend across Tbili (P < .001), AST (P = .001), ALT (P = .002), and ALP (P < .001). The 27 LCBDE patients demonstrated a significant downtrend in Tbili (P = .002) only, while AST (P > .05), ALT (P > .05), and ALP (P > .05) were nonsignificant. Lack of consistent downtrend in the LCBDE group raises doubt regarding the utility of postoperative LFTs for post-procedural management.

BACKGROUND:The benefit of targeting high ratio fresh frozen plasma (FFP)/red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in pediatric trauma resuscitation is unclear as existing studies are limited to patients who retrospectively met criteria for massive transfusion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of high ratio FFP/RBC transfusion and the association with outcomes in children presenting in shock. METHODS:A post hoc analysis of a 24-institution prospective observational study (April 2018 to September 2019) of injured children younger than 18 years with elevated age-adjusted shock index was performed. Patients transfused within 24 hours were stratified into cohorts of low (<1:2) or high (≥1:2) ratio FFP/RBC. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and χ 2 were used to compare characteristics and mortality. Competing risks analysis was used to compare extended (≥75th percentile) ventilator, intensive care, and hospital days while accounting for early deaths. RESULTS:Of 135 children with median (interquartile range) age 10 (5-14) years and weight 40 (20-64) kg, 85 (63%) received low ratio transfusion and 50 (37%) high ratio despite similar activation of institutional massive transfusion protocols (low-38%, high-46%, p = 0.34). Most patients sustained blunt injuries (70%). Median injury severity score was greater in high ratio patients (low-25, high-33, p = 0.01); however, hospital mortality was similar (low-24%, high-20%, p = 0.65) as was the risk of extended ventilator, intensive care unit, and hospital days (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Despite increased injury severity, patients who received a high ratio of FFP/RBC had comparable rates of mortality. These data suggest high ratio FFP/RBC resuscitation is not associated with worst outcomes in children who present in shock. Massive transfusion protocol activation was not associated with receipt of high ratio transfusion, suggesting variability in MTP between centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Small brightly colored water beads have become increasingly popular toys in the pediatric population, marketed specifically for sensory exploration and learning. Unfortunately, the water-absorbing polymer which gives these toys their ability to grow also serves as means of obstruction if ingested. We report a case of a pediatric patient presenting with small bowel obstruction following the ingestion of a water bead, which was diagnosed and treated swiftly without complication. With the increasing incidence of water bead ingestion, it is essential that the public be aware of the potential risks and the necessity of seeking medical attention if companies do not withdraw such dangerous products from the market.

Background: Non-operative management of blunt liver and spleen injuries was championed initially in children with the first management guideline published in 2000 by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA). Multiple articles have expanded on the original guidelines and additional therapy has been investigated to improve care for these patients. Based on a literature review and current consensus, the management guidelines for the treatment of blunt liver and spleen injuries are presented.Methods: A recent literature review by the APSA Outcomes committee [2] was utilized as the basis for the guideline recommendations. A task force was assembled from the APSA Committee on Trauma to review the original guidelines, the literature reported by the Outcomes Committee and then to develop an easy to implement guideline. Results: The updated guidelines for the management of blunt liver and spleen injuries are divided into 4 sections: Admission, Procedures, Set Free and Aftercare. Admission to the intensive care unit is based on abnormal vital signs after resuscitation with stable patients admitted to the ward with minimal restrictions. Procedure recommendations include transfusions for low hemoglobin (<7 mg/dL) or signs of ongoing bleeding. Angioembolization and operative exploration is limited to those patients with clinical signs of continued bleeding after resuscitation. Discharge is based on clinical condition and not grade of injury. Activity restrictions remain the same while follow-up imaging is only indicated for symptomatic patients.Conclusion: The updated APSA guidelines for the management of blunt liver and spleen injuries present an easy-to-follow management strategy for children. Level of Evidence: Level 5.& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc.

BACKGROUND:Firearm injury is the leading cause of death in children and prevention is the most effective method to reduce severe morbidity and mortality. Injury prevention programs have used community firearm lock giveaway events to promote safe firearm storage practices. The locks are generally simple and inexpensive devices suitable for mass distribution but may not possess the owner-desired attributes for use in the home. Because data on owner preferences for firearm lock type is lacking, we conducted a community survey to inform firearm safety outreach efforts.METHODS:We performed an anonymous cross-sectional survey at a large community fair. We elicited responses regarding reasons for firearm ownership, current storage practices, and preferences for firearm storage devices. Participants were offered a choice of a free trigger lock or cable lock and education on its use.RESULTS:Two-hundred and sixty-seven of 394 (67.7%) respondents reported firearm ownership, with 64.8% reporting children in the home regularly. Most (60.7%) owned handguns and cited personal protection as the main reason for ownership (88.4%). The ability to store the firearm loaded and the need for rapid access were identified as the main storage considerations. Respondents preferred trigger locks over cable locks at a rate of almost 2:1.CONCLUSIONS:The majority of firearm owners had handguns for self-defense. Owners preferred simple locking mechanisms that allowed the firearm to remain loaded. The pragmatic pediatric injury prevention program will include firearm owners' preferences when considering which lock to purchase and distribute during firearm injury prevention programs.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:IV, Epidemiological.

INTRO:Pain management for minimally invasive (Nuss) repair of pectus excavatum (PE) is challenging, particularly as the judicious use of opioids has become a patient safety priority. Multi-modal pain management protocols are increasingly used, but there is limited experience using transdermal lidocaine patches (TLP) in this patient population. METHODS:Pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons in a children's hospital within a hospital designed a multi-modal perioperative pain management protocol for patients undergoing Nuss repair of PE (IRB00068901). The protocol included use of TLP in addition to other adjuncts such as methadone, gabapentin, and NSAIDS. Following initiation of the protocol charts were reviewed retrospectively, comparing outcomes before and after implementation of the protocol. RESULTS:Forty-nine patients underwent a Nuss procedure between 2013 and 2022, 15 prior to initiation of the protocol and 34 after. Patient demographics and operative length were similar between the two groups. Average length of stay decreased from 4.7 to 3.3 days and reported opioid use at the time of the first outpatient post-op visit dropped from 60% to 24% (p < 0.05). Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) usage was decreased following implementation during hospital admission, at discharge, and at first post-operative visit (464 vs. 169, 1288 vs. 218, and 214 vs. 56, respectfully, p < 0.05). There were no ED visits or readmissions <30 days related to post-operative pain. CONCLUSION:Post-operative opioid usage and hospital length of stay were decreased after initiation of the protocol. Transdermal lidocaine patches may be a helpful adjunct to minimize narcotic requirements after repair of pectus excavatum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level II.

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) at the time of cholecystectomy has well-established benefits for managing pediatric choledocholithiasis. However, providers increasingly favor ERCP pre-or-post laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP + LC) due to perceived complexity of LCBDE. We refined a stepwise method employing wire-ready balloon dilation of the Sphincter of Oddi. This study compares outcomes of balloon sphincteroplasty (LCBDE + BSP) with standard transcystic LCBDE (LCBDESTD) and ERCP + LC.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent LCBDE-STD and LCBDE + BSP since 2018. A report of consecutive choledocholithiasis patients prior to 2018 yielded an ERCP + LC cohort. Age, operative time, complications, and length of stay (LOS) were compared across all groups. Success rate and fluoroscopy time were compared between LCBDE groups. Results: 44 patients were identified (14:LCBDE-STD; 15:LCBDE + BSP; 15:ERCP + LC) . There was no difference in patient age or BMI. Operative time was longer in the LCBDE + BSP group ( p =< 0.05). ERCP + LC demonstrated increased LOS (4.36 +/- 2.78 vs 1.31 +/- 0.93; p =< 0.05) and complications compared to LCBDE groups including three stent placements and one stent migration. LCBDE + BSP had a higher success rate than LCBDE-STD (100% vs 78%; p = 0.06). The three patients who failed LCBDE-STD required postoperative ERCP. Average fluoroscopy time was not significantly impacted by addition of sphincteroplasty.Conclusion: Incorporating LCBDE into standard management of pediatric choledocholithiasis reduces LOS and avoids additional invasive procedures regardless of the specific technique employed. This stepwise approach to wire-ready cholangiography with balloon sphincteroplasty is a viable method for LCBDE that utilizes techniques familiar to pediatric surgeons and provides definitive management under a single anesthetic. Level of evidence: Level III. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in clinical and resuscitation characteristics between injured children with and without severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and aimed to identify resuscitation characteristics associated with improved outcomes following sTBI. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study of injured children younger than 18 years (2018-2019) transported from the scene, with elevated shock index pediatric-adjusted on arrival and head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of >= 3. Timing and volume of resuscitation products were assessed using chi(2) t test, Fisher's exact t test, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 142 patients with sTBI and 547 with non-sTBI injuries. Severe traumatic brain injury patients had lower initial hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 12.4, p < 0.001), greater initial international normalized ratio (1.4 vs. 1.1, p < 0.001), greater Injury Severity Score (25 vs. 5, p < 0.001), greater rates of ventilator (59% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (79% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), and more inpatient complications (18% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Severe traumatic brain injury patients received more prehospital crystalloid (25% vs. 15%, p = 0.008), >= 1 crystalloid boluses (52% vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion (44% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) than non-sTBI patients. Among sTBI patients, receipt of >= 1 crystalloid bolus (n = 75) was associated with greater ICU need (92% vs. 64%, p < 0.001), longer median ICU (6 vs. 4 days, p = 0.027) and hospital stay (9 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001), and more in-hospital complications (31% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003) than those who received <1 bolus (n = 67). These findings persisted after adjustment for Injury Severity Score (odds ratio, 3.4-4.4; all p < 0.010). CONCLUSION: Pediatric trauma patients with sTBI received more crystalloid than those without sTBI despite having a greater international normalized ratio at presentation andmore frequently requiring blood products. Excessive crystalloidmay be associatedwith worsened outcomes, including in-hospitalmortality, seen among pediatric sTBI patientswho received >= 1 crystalloid bolus. Further attention to a crystalloid sparing, early transfusion approach to resuscitation of children with sTBI is needed.

Despite a practice management guideline and risk prediction model for venous thromboembolism (VTE), pediatric-specific evidence on pharmacologic prophylaxis is lacking. In a retrospective study, we characterized receipt of prophylaxis and explored its effectiveness in hospitalized injured patients below 18 years old using data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Concordance of receipt of prophylaxis with guideline and predicted risk of VTE was estimated using κ statistic. Effectiveness was explored using cohorts matched based on the risk prediction model. A total of 11,165 (6.2%) of 180,932 patients received prophylaxis. Those who received prophylaxis were more commonly post-pubertal and more severely injured. Receipt of prophylaxis was fairly concordant with the guideline (κ=0.32) and predicted risk of VTE (κ=0.29). Receipt of prophylaxis was associated with higher rates of VTE likely due to confounding by indication. Low molecular weight heparin seemed more effective against VTE than unfractionated heparin (incidence rate ratio: 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.75), but less effective when received ≥72 hours after admission to the hospital. We showed that hospitalized injured children did not commonly receive prophylaxis. We also showed that prophylaxis may be effective in hospitalized injured children, but it needs to be proven definitively in a randomized clinical trial.

Gastrointestinal (GI) stromal tumors arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal and are rare in the pediatric population. The most common clinical manifestation is anemia secondary to GI bleeding. Endoscopy is commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of an obstructing mass or gastrointestinal bleed, while experience with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for pediatric patients with suspected gastric tumors is limited. We report 2 cases, a 14-year-old male and an 11-year-old female, who presented with symptomatic anemia. Both patients were diagnosed with GI stromal tumors of the stomach using EUS and EUS-FNA. This report shows that EUS and EUS-FNA are safe and effective diagnostic tools for pediatric patients.

This case highlights the need for accurate and rapid testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and also underscores the need for caregivers to remain vigilant for coronavirus disease 2019 in the postoperative setting despite negative preoperative testing.

BACKGROUND:Advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) can improve triage decision-making by using vehicle telemetry to alert first responders of a motor vehicle crash and estimate an occupant's likelihood of injury. The objective was to develop an AACN algorithm to predict the risk that a pediatric occupant is seriously injured and requires treatment at a Level I or II trauma center.METHODS:Based on 3 injury facets (severity; time sensitivity; predictability), a list of Target Injuries associated with a child's need for Level I/II trauma center treatment was determined. Multivariable logistic regression of motor vehicle crash occupants was performed creating the pediatric-specific AACN algorithm to predict risk of sustaining a Target Injury. Algorithm inputs included: delta-v, rollover quarter-turns, belt status, multiple impacts, airbag deployment, and age. The algorithm was optimized to achieve under-triage ≤5% and over-triage ≤50%. Societal benefits were assessed by comparing correctly triaged motor vehicle crash occupants using the AACN algorithm against real-world decisions.RESULTS:The pediatric AACN algorithm achieved 25% to 49% over-triage across crash modes, and under-triage rates of 2% for far-side, 3% for frontal and near-side, 8% for rear, and 14% for rollover crashes. Applied to real-world motor vehicle crashes, improvements of 59% in under-triage and 45% in over-triage are estimated: more appropriate triage of 32,320 pediatric occupants annually.CONCLUSIONS:This AACN algorithm accounts for pediatric developmental stage and will aid emergency personnel in correctly triaging pediatric occupants after a motor vehicle crash. Once incorporated into the trauma triage network, it will increase triage efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND:The risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding in critically ill adolescents based on interventions received and anatomic site of trauma or major surgery may identify a cohort eligible for enrollment in a trial of pharmacologic prophylaxis.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study using the Virtual Pediatric Systems database included adolescents admitted to pediatric intensive care units after trauma or major surgery between 2013 and 2017. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted risks of VTE and bleeding with central venous catheterization (CVC), mechanical ventilation (MV) and anatomic site of trauma or major surgery. The adjusted risks were used to identify the cohort eligible for enrollment.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:VTE developed in 212 (0.8%) of 27,647 adolescents. The adjusted risk of VTE was >2% with CVC and 2 or more of MV and trauma or major surgery to the brain or abdomen. Excluding those with bleeds present on admission or at high risk of bleeding, 375 (1.4%) adolescents would be eligible for enrollment.CONCLUSIONS:VTE is generally uncommon in adolescents after trauma or major surgery. The small proportion of adolescents who are at high risk of VTE and at low risk of bleeding impacts the feasibility of a trial.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic Study Level II.