ECPR Workshop
Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Emergency Medicine
This comprehensive 6-hour workshop provides emergency physicians and critical care teams with in-depth training in Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) implementation. Participants will gain expertise in this advanced resuscitation technique that utilizes extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to provide temporary cardiac and pulmonary support during refractory cardiac arrest, potentially improving survival outcomes in carefully selected patients.
Workshop Objectives: Participants will master patient selection criteria, develop proficiency in rapid cannulation techniques, and understand comprehensive post-ECPR management. The workshop emphasizes building institutional protocols, establishing team-based workflows, and integrating ECPR into existing emergency department operations. Attendees will learn to navigate complex ethical decisions, resource allocation challenges, and family communication during ECPR procedures.
Content Overview: The morning session focuses on the theoretical foundations of ECPR, beginning with a comprehensive review of current evidence and outcome data across different patient populations. Participants will examine detailed patient selection algorithms, exploring both inclusion criteria and absolute contraindications that guide clinical decision-making. The session progresses through various cannulation approaches including femoral, subclavian, and direct cardiac techniques, with emphasis on rapid deployment strategies crucial for emergency department settings. Advanced topics include circuit priming protocols, flow optimization, and neurological monitoring strategies essential for neuroprotection during the critical post-arrest period.
The afternoon session transitions to intensive hands-on training using high-fidelity mannequins and functional ECMO circuits. Participants rotate through multiple simulation stations, managing complex scenarios including witnessed cardiac arrest, near-drowning events, severe hypothermia, and drug overdose cases. The workshop addresses real-world complications such as cannula-related bleeding, circuit thrombosis, and limb ischemia, providing practical experience in troubleshooting and crisis management. Advanced modules cover weaning protocols, transition strategies to definitive care, and long-term outcome optimization. The session concludes with comprehensive discussion of quality improvement metrics, program development considerations, and institutional implementation strategies.
Target Audience: This workshop is designed for emergency physicians, critical care physicians, cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, emergency nurses, and respiratory therapists seeking advanced training in ECPR techniques. The content is suitable for both individual practitioners and institutional teams planning ECPR program implementation. Prior experience with ACLS protocols and basic ECMO concepts is recommended but not required.
Duration: 6 hours with interactive demonstrations, hands-on simulations, and case-based discussions.
Workshop Director:
Dr. Uri Pollak
Head, Section of Pediatric Critical Care
Director, Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Unit
Director, Pediatric ECLS Program
Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
Director, Center for Advanced Medical Simulation
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Biography:
Dr. Uri Pollak is a distinguished pediatric cardiac intensivist and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) specialist. Dr. Pollak completed his medical education at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, followed by pediatric residency at Schneider Children's Medical Center and fellowships in pediatric intensive care at leading Israeli institutions. His pediatric cardiology fellowship training was completed at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, as well as at Safra Children's Hospital in Israel.
Dr. Pollak has established himself as a prominent figure in pediatric cardiac critical care and ECMO support. He founded and directs the Hadassah ECMO Academy and serves as Director of the Pediatric Extracorporeal Support Program. His research focuses on post-cardiopulmonary bypass physiology, inflammation modulation, and novel biomarkers for cardiac injury. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and serves on editorial boards of multiple prestigious journals including JAMA Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.
Internationally recognized for his expertise, Dr. Pollak holds leadership positions in major professional societies including Co-Chair of the International Committee of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society, Chairman of the Israeli Pediatric Intensive Care Association, and member of the ECPR committee in EuroELSO. He is actively involved in medical education, serving as Director of the Center for Medical Simulation at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and pursuing a master's degree in medical education at the University of Oxford.
Current Role and Position:
Dr. Pollak currently serves dual leadership roles at Hadassah University Medical Center and the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School. As the Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Unit since 2019, he oversees the clinical care of critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart disease. In his additional role as Head of the Section of Pediatric Critical Care since 2020, he provides broader leadership across pediatric intensive care services.
His academic responsibilities include directing the Center for Medical Simulation, where he develops innovative educational programs. Dr. Pollak has created comprehensive ECMO training programs that serve healthcare professionals nationally and internationally. He continues his research collaborations, including ongoing participation in multiple international multicenter studies.