Patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represent a uniquely challenging population. These patients require specific interventions, such as repeated circuit and lower extremity perfusion assessments, anticoagulation management, frequent hemodynamic assessment, neurologic evaluation, and many other interventions and monitoring measures unique to their physiology. Furthermore, they must be monitored for specific complications related to the support strategy (including differential oxygenation, recirculation, or limb ischemia).

We have created an acronym-based checklist for assessment of ECMO patients in the intensive care unit (Fig 1). This checklist includes different parameters that should be evaluated during daily rounds for patients supported by ECMO as they can impact these patients’ morbidity and mortality. We routinely use our checklist to guide patient discussions between different members of the health care team and facilitate trainee learning by providing a guided approach for these complex patients.