Paris ECMO Diploma Course: Days 3–4 (June 25–26)

The final two days of the ECMO Diploma Course were a solid mix of lectures and practical discussion. I picked up new ways to approach problems and left with a clearer understanding of how other centers manage similar cases. The class participation added just as much value as the lectures, sometimes more.

We had a strong international mix in the room, with representatives from India, Egypt, the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, Peru, and Eastern Europe. That diversity made the conversations richer and more grounded. Everyone brought something real to the table—different approaches, different system limitations, different habits, same pressure to do the right thing.

Topics covered on June 25:

• My patient remains hypoxemic on VV-ECMO (C.-E. Luyt)

• Neurologic complications of ECMO (C.-E. Luyt)

• COVID cardiac involvement (G. Hekimian)

• La Pitié experience of ECMO for COVID (M. Schmidt)

• Management of anticoagulation in ECMO patients (M. Schmidt)

• Bleeding on ECMO: causes and management (C.-E. Luyt)

• Infectious complications of ECMO (M. Schmidt)

• Tutorial: how to wean patients from VV-ECMO? (M. Schmidt)

• ECMO for refractory cardiac arrest, in-hospital, out-of-hospital, E-CPR results (A. Combes)

• Discussions of concrete cases at the bedside

Topics covered on June 26:

• Ethical aspects of ECMO (C.-E. Luyt)

• Long-term outcomes after ECMO (C.-E. Luyt)

• Indications and results of ECCO2R techniques (A. Combes)

• Fulminant myocarditis: diagnosis, outcomes, and results of ECMO (A. Combes)

• ECMO and immunocompromised patients (C.-E. Luyt)

• Intoxication with cardiotoxic drugs: indications and results of ECMO (G. Hekimian)

• Tutorial: how to wean patients from VA-ECMO (G. Hekimian)

• Circulatory assistance with the IMPELLA device (A. Combes)

We wrapped up with a short diploma ceremony. Alan Combes handed out the certificates with his usual calm and understated style. It was a good way to close—simple, meaningful, and appreciated.

Also worth mentioning: the food was excellent. Possibly too excellent. I’m just hoping Delta doesn’t charge me for the extra weight I’m bringing home, or flag me for a seat belt extension.

I highly recommend the course, which is offered several times per year. Full details here:

https://ecmo-courses.paris-ecostcs.com

AI and My ECMO Learning Journey

AI plays a significant role in how I research, understand, and communicate complex ECMO topics. From analyzing source materials to organizing ideas and generating podcast outlines, AI helps me stay curious and keep learning, so I can continue sharing insights with you.

ECMO 143: Projects and Tools

As part of ECMO 143, I’ve developed these resources to support both professionals and families in the ECMO space:

• ecmo143.com – Resources for ECMO and other professionals,

• ecmo.life – Information for ECMO patients and their loved ones

• YouTube: ECMO 143 – Occasional AI-supported podcasts

• LinkedIn Newsletter: ECMO 143: AI-Assisted Journey

Custom GPTs available on OpenAI:

• AI ECMO Expert – A custom GPT designed to assist with ECMO research and education.

• Micro Definitions (MD-GPT) – A custom GPT providing concise definitions for medical terminology