Awake' Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Requires Adequate Lower Body Muscle Training and Mobilisation As Successful Bridge to Lung Transplant

Introduction ‘Awake’ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being used increasingly as a bridge to lung transplant (LuTx) to support refractory respiratory failure as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation and associated immobilisation and deconditioning which are associated with poor outcome. The ideal combination of ECMO cannulation and muscle training has yet to be determined and depends largely on patient-specific needs and procedural limitations.