Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Publication Date

Fall 10-15-2026

Abstract

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and other forms of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) require rapid, technically complex vascular cannulation. Although ECMO education and practitioner credentialing vary across centers, requirements specifically for cannulators are not well characterized. This study aims to describe training, credentialing, specialty restrictions, and proficiency maintenance for independent ECMO cannulators at U.S. ECMO programs.

Methods: We designed a multicenter, cross-sectional survey informed by prior literature on ECMO education and credentialing. The questionnaire assesses institutional characteristics, including annual ECMO and ECPR volumes, eligible cannulator specialties, required simulation hours, primary and assistant cannulation requirements, and criteria for maintaining independent cannulator status. ECPR and prehospital specific requirements are evaluated using branching logic. Following expert review and pilot testing, the survey will be electronically distributed to ECMO center directors at ELSO and non-ELSO member U.S. centers. Responses will be collected over 12 weeks. Analyses will describe current practices and compare responses by center volume, academic status, ECMO experience, and ELSO membership.

Results: A draft survey instrument was developed to assess initial credentialing and ongoing competency requirements across ECMO modalities. Validation, distribution, and data collection are pending; therefore, no center level results are available. Credentialing practices will be compared between high and low volume ECMO centers and between academic and community hospitals.

Conclusion: Cannulator training and credentialing standards cannot be meaningfully proposed without first defining current practice. This study will identify areas of agreement and variation across U.S. ECMO programs and may provide a foundation for future consensus based cannulator standards.

Keywords

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; ECMO cannulation; ECPR; credentialing; competency; simulation; medical education

Published Open-Access

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