Santair participated in the ECMO/LVAD Masterclass supported by the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre in Athens

The use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), which offers temporary support of cardiac and respiratory function, is at the core of modern treatment for ICU patients. Santair made available the Cardiohelp and Rotaflow ECMO systems, which were used by the Masterclass trainers in the hands-on workshop for the management of patients connected to such devices.

ECMO is necessary for patients whose heart is not functioning properly, providing the necessary volume of oxygenated blood to body tissues. ECMO involves the use of a machine to replace heart and lung function. This is the only suitable solution when patients do not respond to conventional treatment. In addition, ECMO is being increasingly used as an assisted life-support system following cardiac arrest (e-CPR), contributing to significant improvement in patient survival rates.

The Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, a leader in heart transplants and cardiac support system placements, endorsed the ECMO/LVAD Masterclass, organised by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC). The Masterclass was held at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, on 25 and 26 November 2022. The participants included doctors and healthcare professionals supporting patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure.