Clinical decision support for ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Will we fly by wire?

Abstract

Prognostic modelling techniques have rapidly evolved over the past decade and may greatly benefit patients supported with ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Epidemiological and computational physiological approaches aim to provide more accurate predictive assessments of ECMO-related risks and benefits. Implementation of these approaches may produce predictive tools that can improve complex clinical decisions surrounding ECMO allocation and management. This Review describes current applications of prognostic models and elaborates on upcoming directions for their clinical applicability in decision support tools directed at improved allocation and management of ECMO patients. The discussion of these new developments in the field will culminate in a futuristic perspective leaving ourselves and the readers wondering whether we may “ fly ECMO by wire” someday.