Physiology of Unloading VA ECMO Trial
Eligible age
18+ yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) with and without left ventricular (LV) unloading in patients being treated for cardiogenic shock (CS). The main aims of the study are: 1. To determine the physiologic effects on cardiopulmonary congestion of adding LV unloading to VA ECMO 2. To determine the effects on myocardial function of adding LV unloading to ECMO 3. To test the effects on myocardial recovery of adding LV unloading to VA ECMO Participants who are being treated with VA ECMO will be randomized to receive or not receive LV unloading in the form of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Over the course of the study, the investigators will obtain measurements via lab work, echocardiography, and pulmonary artery catheter that will allow comparison of the two groups.
Sponsor: University of Utah
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Adult patients (age 18 years or older)
- ✓ Diagnosis of acute cardiogenic shock (CS)
- ✓ Patients failing medical therapy, defined as 1 or more of the following:
- ✓ 1. Society for Coronary Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Stage C or greater
- ✓ 2. 2 or more inotropic medications and not improving
- ✓ 3. IABP in place and clinically worsening
- ✓ 4. Placed on VA ECMO for CS
- ✓ 5. In the opinion of the attending physician, patient has worsening CS and could require VA ECMO support in the near-term
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Metastatic or stage 4 cancer
- ✕ Atrial septostomy
- ✕ Planned LV unloading on ECMO
- ✕ Anticipated death \<72 hours
- ✕ Existing durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD)
- ✕ Unwillingness to randomize
- ✕ Patients who are pregnant
Where it's recruiting
Salt Lake City
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06336655 · last updated 2026-04-30