Routine vs On-demand ECMO for Lung Transplantation

This study compares two approaches to intraoperative cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation: routine cardiopulmonary support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) versus selective use. Despite recent improvements in lung transplant outcomes, postoperative complications are common. Intraoperative hemodynamic management is vital to the success of lung transplantation. Many centers, including all four Canadian centers, use ECMO to provide intraoperative support. However, lung transplantation without cardiopulmonary support may be possible in certain patients. In such patients, the transplant may be started without ECMO. ECMO may be initiated "on-demand" if hemodynamic embarrassment or hypoxia occurs. Conversely, the opposite approach would be routinely conducting all lung transplants using ECMO. The current practice in many centers is to use ECMO selectively. By extension, the investigators believe that more liberal use of intraoperative ECMO will produce less intraoperative hemodynamic instability and hypoxia. However, it is unclear the extent of ECMO use necessary to improve the incidence of postoperative hypoperfusion-related complications. Should ECMO be used routinely in all patients or selectively based on the intraoperative course? The study is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial with two treatment arms: routine support with ECMO versus selective (on-demand) support with ECMO. Study population (Inclusion and exclusion criteria): All patients, 18 years of age or older, undergoing lung transplantation will be screened for participation. We will exclude patients who require intraoperative ECMO, multi-organ transplants, and retransplantation Arms and Interventions: On-demand ECMO: The transplant will be planned without cardiopulmonary support in this group. Intraoperative ECMO will be employed if there is an inability to maintain adequate organ perfusion and oxygen delivery despite resuscitation. Routine ECMO: Routine intraoperative ECMO in all patients, regardless of hemodynamic status. Primary outcome: Intensive care unit (ICU)-free days in the first 28 days post-lung transplant.