Routine vs On-demand ECMO for Lung Transplantation
Recruiting · 4 sites across 4 states
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Lung transplantation is a complex procedure performed in patients with terminal lung disease. The transplant procedure stresses the patient's heart and lungs, which are already taxed by the underlying disease process.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Lung transplantation is a complex procedure performed in patients with terminal lung disease. The transplant procedure stresses the patient's heart and lungs, which are already taxed by the underlying disease process. The heart-lung machine is occasionally used to support the patient and ensure adequate oxygen supply to other organs during the operation. It can be used routinely in all patients or selectively in patients who exhibit reduced oxygen supply to the remaining organs. This process, known as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), pumps blood out of the body to a heart-lung machine that removes carbon dioxide and returns oxygen-filled blood to the body. Although using the CPB increases the risk of bleeding, infection, and coagulation complications, it should still be considered in high-risk patients to compensate for more severe complications such as kidney failure and stroke caused by a lack of cardiopulmonary support. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a recently developed CPB variation associated with fewer bleeding complications. It has recently replaced the traditional heart-lung machine as the preferred method of cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation. Since ECMO is associated with fewer complications than standard CPB, many centers have increased their use of ECMO during lung transplantation. Some have even employed it routinely. However, there remains significant debate on how often it should be used. Therefore, the study's main objective is to compare the two approaches in lung transplantation, i.e., routine use versus selective use, and to determine if one approach is preferable to the other.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •People having lung transplant surgery
- •People who can give permission to join the study
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •People who cannot provide consent for the study
- •People having a repeat (re-) lung transplant (retransplantation)
- •People having lung transplant plus transplanting other organs (multi-organ transplantation)
- •People who cannot safely receive standard heparin blood thinner (for example, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia)
- •People for whom special heart-lung support during surgery is required (including very severe pulmonary hypertension or major heart pumping problems)
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–any age
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Lung transplantation is a complex procedure performed in patients with terminal lung disease. The transplant procedure stresses the patient's heart and lungs, which are already taxed by the underlying disease process.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. This study may also compensate you for your time and travel — the team will tell you the amount before you join. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06615492 · Locations: Alberta · British Columbia · Ontario · Quebec