Description

1. Course Title

ECMO Troubleshooting Masterclass: Rapid Recognition & Crisis Management

2. Course Aim

To develop expert-level competency in identifying, analyzing, and managing ECMO-related complications using a structured, physiology-driven troubleshooting approach.

3. Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

 

• Apply a systematic troubleshooting algorithm for ECMO emergencies
• Interpret circuit pressures, flows, and alarms in real time
• Differentiate causes of hypoxia, low flow, and hemodynamic instability
• Recognize early signs of oxygenator and circuit failure
• Manage life-threatening ECMO complications safely and efficiently
• Lead ECMO crisis situations using structured decision-making

4. Target Audience

• ICU Consultants & Specialists
• Cardiac Surgeons
• Perfusionists
• ECMO Specialists
• Critical Care Fellows
• ICU Nurses involved in ECMO care

5- part  1: RECORDED SELF-LEARNING (TROUBLESHOOTING ONLY)

Instructor: assos. prof. faten farid

Format

• High-yield recorded lectures (short, focused: 20–30 min each)
• Case-based approach (real ICU scenarios)
• Algorithm-driven teaching
• Duration 6 months

Core Troubleshooting Framework (Anchor Lecture)

“The ECMO Troubleshooting Algorithm”

• Step 1: Patient vs Circuit problem
• Step 2: Flow–Pressure–Oxygenation analysis
• Step 3: Categorization:
  • Oxygenation failure
  • Flow problem
  • Pressure abnormality
  • Mechanical failure

6-Assessment

Pre-Test

• 20 MCQs
• Focus: recognition of ECMO problems

Post-Test

• 40 MCQs (ELSO-style, scenario-based)
• Emphasis on:
  • Interpretation
  • Decision-making
  • Prioritization

Part  2: LIVE online SIMULATION (ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING)

Instructor: Dr Ahmed El Massary & assos. Prof. Faten Farid

 

Format

• Small groups (4–6 participants)
• High-fidelity ECMO simulation
• Real-time crisis exposure

Simulation Philosophy

Train participants to:

• Think fast under pressure
• Act using structured algorithms
• Avoid common fatal errors

Debriefing Model

• Structured debrief (advocacy–inquiry)
• Error analysis
• Cognitive bias discussion
• Performance improvement

 

Assessment

Post test: case scenarios

 

Certification

• Certificate of ECMO Troubleshooting Competency
• Preparation for ELSO ECMO Certification Exam

 

Unique Value of This Course

• 100% troubleshooting-focused (not general ECMO)
• Algorithm-driven
• Case-heavy, real ICU scenarios
• Simulation-based crisis training

Faten Farid Awdallah

Dr. Faten Farid had a PhD in intensive care. She has worked in general and cardiac intensive care since 2005. She is an associate professor of critical care at the National Heart Institute, Egypt. She also works as a critical care consultant at KSA. She shared in many academic and educational works. She participated as an instructor in many Educational courses in Egypt, KSA, and the UAE. She is a board member of the Medical Life Essential Academy, both of which focus on online education. She had a great interest in mechanical circulatory support, hemodynamics, mechanical ventilation, and respiratory critical care. She is the owner of the YouTube channel Faten Critical Care Channel. She was involved in many scientific activities and collaborations with online education programs focused on critical care education & mechanical circulatory support.

Professional Biography

Ahmed Elmasry, MD, MSc, EDIC

Specialist Intensivist and ECLS/ECMO provider at Adan Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait, an ELSO-recognized ECMO center. He has more than 15 years of experience in adult critical care medicine, with expertise in invasive mechanical ventilation, patient-ventilator interaction, ECMO/ECLS, hemodynamic monitoring, renal replacement therapy, difficult airway management, and critical care ultrasound.

He obtained his medical degree and Master of Science in Intensive Care Medicine from Ain Shams University, Egypt, and was awarded the European Diploma in Intensive Care Medicine by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. His clinical practice focuses on the management of critically ill adults with severe respiratory failure, shock, multiorgan failure, and complex ventilatory needs, including advanced ventilator management, respiratory mechanics interpretation, ECMO troubleshooting, and multidisciplinary ICU leadership.

Dr Elmasry is the Founder of the PVI Network, a global initiative dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in patient-ventilator interaction, respiratory critical care, mechanical ventilation, waveform interpretation, respiratory monitoring, and applied physiology. He is also the Founder and Director of the PVI Masterclass, a structured hybrid educational program that promotes a waveform-first, physiology-based, and competency-oriented approach to patient-ventilator interaction education.

His academic interests include lung- and diaphragm-protective ventilation, esophageal pressure monitoring, ventilator waveform analysis, ECMO education, simulation-based critical care training, clinical protocol validation, Delphi methodology, antimicrobial stewardship, and digital medical education. Through his clinical, educational, and research activities, Dr Elmasry aims to improve physiology-based critical care practice and enhance outcomes for mechanically ventilated and critically ill patients.

Expert-Led Live Session

An additional live session will be held as part of the course, offering interactive discussions and expert guidance to enhance the learning experience

Faq

How long is the course?

Once you enroll in a course, you will have unlimited access to the course materials for as long as the course is available on our platform.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Once you enroll in a course, you will have unlimited access to the course materials for as long as the course is available on our platform.

What if I have questions during the course?

Once you enroll in a course, you will have unlimited access to the course materials for as long as the course is available on our platform.

Can I access the course materials after completion?

Once you enroll in a course, you will have unlimited access to the course materials for as long as the course is available on our platform.

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