A trial to assess the benefits of an ECMO-free protocol for patients on venovenous ECMO.

ECMO-Free Trial: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT05486559

This study tests if a new daily check-in process can help patients on venovenous ECMO get off the machine safely and sooner than usual care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment225 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Minneapolis, Minnesota and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05486559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocolized daily assessment for readiness to liberate patients from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) compared to usual care. The study will involve patients receiving VV-ECMO in participating adult hospitals, where they will be assessed daily to determine the safest and earliest time for decannulation. The goal is to improve clinical outcomes, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation by standardizing the weaning process. The trial seeks to provide robust data on the impact of this protocolized approach on the duration of ECMO support and overall patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults currently receiving VV-ECMO in participating hospitals.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, under 18, or receiving ECMO as a bridge to transplant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery times and reduced healthcare costs for patients on VV-ECMO.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that protocolized assessments for liberation from organ support are superior to clinician judgment, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient receiving VV-ECMO
* Patient is located in a participating unit of an adult hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient is pregnant
* Patient is a prisoner
* Patient is \< 18 years old
* Participant is receiving ECMO as bridge to transplant
* Participant is receiving a hybrid configuration that includes an arterial cannula
* Patient has received VV-ECMO for \> 48 hours

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Complication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.