Safety of ECMO Cannulation: Organization and Standardized Training Matters
Sin S.W.C., Suen J.Y., Ng Yeung P.P.N., Cheung E.H.L. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine DOI: 10.1177/08850666251386398
Abstract: This letter responds to the systematic review and meta-analysis by Ryota et al, which examines the safety profile of ECMO cannulation performed by intensivists. The authors report an overall complication rate of 2% per cannula and 5% per patient, with higher rates observed in VA ECMO compared to VV ECMO. We emphasized that the safety of ECMO cannulation is multifactorial, influenced by institutional infrastructure, structured training programs, adherence to protocols, credentialing standards, and quality improvement initiatives.