Lesson 1Priming procedure step-by-step: fluids, heparinisation, degassing technique, bubble traps, and pressure equilibrationProvides a stepwise priming procedure, covering fluid choice, heparinisation, degassing techniques, bubble trap management, and pressure equilibration to achieve a stable, air-free circuit ready for support.
Selection and preparation of priming fluidHeparin dosing and anticoagulation checksDegassing techniques and line manipulationBubble trap setup and monitoringFinal pressure balance and documentationLesson 2Air removal and de-airing manoeuvres specific to Getinge circuits and oxygenator fillingExplains Getinge circuit air removal, focusing on safe de-airing paths, oxygenator filling sequence, and use of vents and recirculation loops to prevent emboli before patient connection and during troubleshooting.
Pre‑priming circuit orientation and vent pointsOxygenator filling order and flow directionUse of recirculation loops for de‑airingHandling residual microbubbles and foamVerification of air‑free circuit before useLesson 3Identification and function of console components (Cardiohelp vs Rotaflow)Details identification and function of Cardiohelp and Rotaflow consoles, including user interface, pump control, sensor inputs, and system differences that affect setup, monitoring, and emergency responses.
Front panel layout and key controlsPump drive unit and motor functionPressure and flow sensor interfacesIntegrated versus external display featuresSystem differences impacting workflowsLesson 4Detailed list of disposables: pump heads, oxygenators, tubing sets, connectors, cannulae interfacesReviews required disposables for Getinge ECMO, including pump heads, oxygenators, tubing sets, connectors, and cannula interfaces, with attention to sizing, labelling, and lot tracking for traceability.
Pump head models and usage limitsOxygenator options and selection criteriaTubing set variants and circuit layoutsConnectors, Y‑pieces, and stopcocksCannula interface and fixation adaptersLesson 5Infection control and sterile field considerations during device setupFocuses on infection prevention during ECMO setup, including sterile field creation, aseptic handling of disposables, line protection, and coordination with infection control policies in high-risk patients.
Room preparation and traffic controlSterile field setup and maintenanceAseptic handling of tubing and portsLine protection and dressing strategiesCoordination with infection control teamLesson 6Pre-use inspection: device integrity, serial numbers, expiration dates, and sterile packaging checksDescribes pre-use inspection of all devices and disposables, verifying integrity, serial numbers, expiration dates, and sterile packaging to prevent equipment failure and contamination during ECMO runs.
Visual inspection for damage or defectsVerification of labels and serial numbersChecking expiration dates and IFUsSterile packaging integrity assessmentRecording lot numbers and checklistsLesson 7Ancillary equipment: priming kits, heaters, gas blender, monitors, clamps, syringes, backup powerCovers selection and setup of priming kits, heaters, gas blender, monitors, clamps, syringes, and backup power, emphasising compatibility, correct connections, and redundancy to maintain safe ECMO support.
Priming kit components and compatibilityHeater unit setup and temperature targetsGas blender configuration and safety checksMonitor connections and display layoutBackup power and cable managementLesson 8Alarm setup and verification: alarm limits for inlet/outlet pressures, flow, RPM, FiO2, sweep, temperature, and battery/failure alertsExplains configuration and verification of alarms for pressures, flow, RPM, FiO2, sweep, temperature, and power, ensuring appropriate limits, audible alerts, and response protocols for safe ECMO operation.
Default versus patient‑specific alarm limitsInlet and outlet pressure alarm settingsFlow, RPM, and low‑flow alarmsGas, FiO2, and temperature alarmsBattery, power, and system failure alertsLesson 9Pre-connection safety checks: leak test, circuit pressure baseline, sensor calibration, gas flow verificationOutlines pre-connection safety checks, including leak testing, establishing baseline circuit pressures, sensor calibration, and gas flow verification to confirm readiness and minimise risk at patient hookup.
Static and dynamic leak test methodsBaseline pressure and flow documentationPressure and flow sensor calibration stepsGas supply, blender, and sweep checksReadiness sign‑off before cannulation
