Timing of Distal Perfusion to Prevent Limb Ischemia in ECMO Patients

Comparison Of Conservative Versus Early Distal Perfusion Strategy to Prevent Acute Limb Ischemia in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Not applicable Interventional Asan Medical Center · NCT05698628

This study tests whether giving a special treatment to improve blood flow in the legs right when symptoms start is better than doing it right at the beginning of heart support for patients with severe heart problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAsan Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT05698628 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the timing of distal perfusion catheterization (DPC) in patients undergoing peripheral VA-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock. It compares outcomes between patients receiving DPC at the onset of limb ischemia symptoms versus those receiving it preemptively at the start of VA-ECMO. The goal is to determine which approach better prevents complications related to limb ischemia during ECMO support. The study aims to provide insights into optimizing care for patients experiencing severe cardiac issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 19 and older experiencing refractory cardiogenic shock requiring peripheral VA-ECMO.

Not a fit: Patients with irreversible limb ischemia or those requiring immediate surgical intervention will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of limb ischemia in patients undergoing VA-ECMO, improving their overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of DPC is established, the specific timing comparison in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥19 years old
* Refractory cardiogenic shock with peripheral VA-ECMO
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwilling or unable to obtain informed consent from the participant or substitute decision-maker
* Patients who are currently pregnant, postpartum period within 30 days or are breast-feeding
* VA-ECMO application for causes other than cardiogenic shock
* Severe coagulopathy
* Irreversible limb ischemia requiring interventional procedures or surgery at the time of VA-ECMO (previously diagnosed ASO(atherosclerosis obliterans) patients)

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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 ComplicationExtracorporeal Membrane OxygenationLimb ischemiaCardiogenic shock
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.