Awake veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: practical aspects and considerations

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique in the armamentarium of critical care medicine. It involves extracorporeal blood circulation outside the body, providing temporary respiratory support while allowing the lungs to heal. Traditionally, patients undergoing ECMO require sedation to minimize discomfort and facilitate mechanical ventilation. The “awake ECMO” concept emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate sedation-related complications and facilitate early mobilization in critically ill patients. In this article, we describe the potential advantages of awake ECMO and its role in preserving respiratory muscle function, enhancing rehabilitation prospects, and improving patient outcomes.