Advanced Perioperative Echocardiography in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Weaning Trial-Off

The timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) weaning and removal is crucial in the treatment of patients with cardiocirculatory failure, with direct impacts on outcomes and resource utilization. Although pulmonary recovery for patients receiving venovenous ECMO is dictated by intrinsic gas exchange, lung compliance, and mechanical ventilator settings, criteria for ventricular function recoverability in patients receiving venoarterial (VA) ECMO is more complex. For this reason, a methodical approach to weaning and removal is required for patients on VA ECMO.