Year in review: Highlights in ECLS Innovation and Technology, Anno 2022-2023

Abstract

Background In the field of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), the rapid influx of novel technologies and innovative techniques presents an ongoing challenge for professionals to stay informed about these advancements. To address this issue and ensure the ECLS community remains up-to-date, we have compiled a concise overview of recent technological innovations in ECLS. Purpose This overview focuses primarily on academically investigated and reported advancements in the ECLS domain. It underscores the importance of transparent communication regarding technological limitations in healthcare and advocates for collaboration between medical professionals and engineers to elevate patient care. Research Design This manuscript presents a compilation of recent technological advancements in ECLS, with an emphasis on innovations that have been academically explored and documented. The research approach involves gathering information from scholarly sources, reports, and studies to provide a comprehensive overview. Study Sample The study sample comprises a diverse range of recent technological innovations in the field of extracorporeal life support (ECLS). These innovations span various aspects of ECLS technology and have been investigated and reported on within the academic literature. Analysis Data collection involved systematically reviewing academic literature, reports, and studies related to recent technological advancements in ECLS. The collected information was then analyzed to identify common trends, notable developments, and the impact of these innovations on patient care. Results The compilation highlights several significant technological innovations within the ECLS domain. Notable advancements include the development of new dual lumen cannulae, innovative devices for left ventricular (LV) unloading, lightweight ECMO transport systems, streamlined driving consoles to facilitate patient mobility, intricate systems for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), standardized driving consoles for networking, and non-invasive circuit pressure monitoring. Some of these innovations have obtained regulatory approvals for distribution in the United States and/or authorization for the European market. Conclusions The manuscript underscores the critical role of collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry in driving recent technological innovations within the ECLS field. It emphasizes the necessity of open communication about technological limitations and the potential for repurposing established technologies in novel ways. However, the resourcefulness of physicians in repurposing devices requires validation through comprehensive scientific and technical investigation. Thus, fostering broader collaboration among stakeholders is recommended to ensure the rigorous evaluation and validation of new applications for established ECLS devices.