Publication and Retraction Activity in the Field of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Origins, Concerns, and Perspectives
Abstract
Background
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a vital life-support tool in critical care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid growth of ECMO research necessitates bibliometric analysis to identify trends, key contributors, and obstacles, including concerns regarding scientific integrity, such as retractions.
Methods
A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database (search date: August 25, 2025), with the phrase “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation” searched in the title, abstract, or keywords. All English-language publications from 1958 and 2025 were covered. Data on publication trends, prominent countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and citation/Altmetric Attention Scores were obtained. Retractions were detected using standardized queries on PubMed, and data on publication year, retraction year, country, and reasons were obtained.
Results
A total of 26,786 ECMO-related publications were examined. The number of publications showed a significant upward trend (P < 0.001), peaking in 2022 with 240 articles. The United States was the leading country (n = 11,261), followed by Germany (n = 2,349), Italy (n = 1,756), China (n = 1,660), and the United Kingdom (n = 1,642). The ASAIO Journal was the most prolific source (n = 1,204). Harvard Medical School (n = 585) ranked first among institutions. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related papers dominated citation and altmetric impact, with the 2020 JAMA Wuhan cohort publication receiving the most citations (n = 17,423). Between 2012 and 2024, nine ECMO-related articles were retracted.
Conclusion
This analysis highlights the significant global growth of ECMO research, demonstrating considerable academic and social impact, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results offer valuable insights into publication trends, major contributors, and research visibility, potentially informing future research and partnerships in this field.