Monitoring brain blood flow in patients on ECMO

Monitoring of Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Observational Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT05303363

This study is trying to see how changes in blood flow to the brain happen in patients on a special heart-lung machine when they quickly fix high carbon dioxide levels, to help reduce the risk of brain problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Amsterdam-Zuidoost)
Trial IDNCT05303363 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to quantify changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during the initial correction of severe hypercapnia in patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). The study hypothesizes that rapid correction of hypercapnia may lead to significant cerebral vasoconstriction and impaired CBF, potentially contributing to neurological complications. By measuring CBF and other hemodynamic changes during VV-ECMO, the researchers hope to better understand the relationship between PaCO2 levels and cerebral blood flow dynamics. This could provide insights into optimizing ECMO therapy and minimizing neurological risks.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years with a high suspicion of needing VV-ECMO and an arterial line for blood sampling.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot have their cerebral blood flow measured or have contraindications for ECMO will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for patients on ECMO, potentially reducing the risk of neurological complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of monitoring CBF during VV-ECMO is novel, studies on ECMO complications have shown varying degrees of success in understanding related risks.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: in order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:

* High suspicion of an indication for VV-ECMO;
* Arterial line present to enable blood sampling;
* Older than 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects will be excluded if the cerebral blood flow cannot be measured using the transcranial Doppler
* VA-ECMO or ECPR;
* No possibility for neuromonitoring measurements due to technical difficulties, e.g. post-craniotomy, unsuitable transcranial window;
* No possibility for neuromonitoring measurements due to circumstantial difficulties, e.g. ECPR;
* Contraindications for ECMO;
* ECMO is initiated in another center.

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam-Zuidoost

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 ComplicationCerebral Circulatory Failure
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.