Clinical trials
ECMO clinical trials
Below are recruiting ecmo clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 72 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06938217Enrolling by invitation
Low-flow ECMO for adults with severe breathing failure
This study tests whether a gentler, low-blood-flow version of ECMO (a machine that helps oxygenate blood outside the body) is safe and effective for adults with very severe breathing failure. It is for patients who are already on a breathing machine and have very low oxygen levels despite that support.
San Antonio, TexasAges 18–65 - NCT06469801Recruiting
Portable MRI for brain injury in children on ECMO
This study uses a portable MRI to look for brain injuries in children on ECMO (a heart-lung support machine). It may help doctors detect problems early and improve care.
Kansas City, MissouriAges birth–17 years - NCT05565495RecruitingPhase 2
Hydromorphone dosing changes during ECMO
This Phase 2 study looks at how hydromorphone (a strong pain medicine) behaves in the body for people on ECMO, and how that may affect dosing. It may help doctors better choose the right pain-med dose while someone is receiving ECMO.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–80 - NCT06776549Recruiting
Cooling or normal temperature after cardiac arrest with ECMO
This trial tests if cooling the body (hypothermia) or keeping normal body temperature (normothermia) after emergency heart-lung support (ECMO) improves survival in adults who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital.
Kurume, FukuokaAges 18–75 - NCT05155904Recruiting
Study outcomes for adults on VA ECMO
This study looks at the results (outcomes) for adults who are receiving VA ECMO, a heart-lung life support machine. The goal is to better understand how patients do while on this type of support.
AmiensAges 18 years+ - NCT06276010Recruiting
Nafamostat mesilate for blood thinning in ECMO patients
This trial tests a medicine called nafamostat mesilate to prevent blood clots in patients who need ECMO (a machine that helps your heart and lungs) after heart surgery. It may offer a safer way to thin the blood compared to standard treatments.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT05814094Recruiting
Testing a red blood transfusion approach during ECMO
This study looks at whether giving red blood cell transfusions in a specific way is practical and safe for people receiving ECMO (a heart-lung support machine). It’s mainly a feasibility study, meaning the goal is to see if the plan can be carried out smoothly and safely.
Camperdown, New South WalesAges 18 years+ - NCT05303363Recruiting
Checking brain blood flow during a breathing heart-lung machine
This study monitors how much blood is reaching the brain in adults who need a specific type of life-support called VV-ECMO. The goal is to better understand brain blood flow and how monitoring may help manage care during ECMO.
Amsterdam-ZuidoostAges 18–100 - NCT06369584Recruiting
Prone Position for Children on ECMO with Severe ARDS
This trial tests if lying face-down (prone position) helps children with severe ARDS who are already on ECMO, a machine that supports the heart and lungs. It aims to see if this position improves recovery.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 1 month–18 years - NCT06872021Recruiting
Early balloon pump use after heart-lung bypass
This trial tests if using a heart pump (IABP) early after starting a life support machine (VA-ECMO) helps people recover from cardiogenic shock. It looks for patients whose heart is not pumping well despite support.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT05717218Recruiting
Testing special breathing monitoring during VV-ECMO in ARDS
This trial checks whether a special “breathing sensor belt” that watches breathing in real time can be used safely in adults with severe lung failure (ARDS) who are on a machine called VV-ECMO. It may help the care team better monitor ventilation while you’re critically ill.
ParisAges 18 years+ - NCT07053618Recruiting
Heart pump support for high-risk heart procedures
This trial tests a temporary heart pump to support patients with weak hearts (ejection fraction 35% or less) who need a high-risk stent procedure instead of bypass surgery. The pump may help keep blood flowing during the procedure.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–90 - NCT06792617Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Exercise for people on ECMO life support
This study tests if gentle exercise in bed can help people on ECMO (a life-support machine for heart and lungs) get stronger and recover faster. It is for adults in the ICU who are stable enough to move safely.
San Antonio, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT07027202Recruiting
Early heart unloading for severe shock after ECMO
This trial tests a possible treatment to help the heart recover faster in people who need ECMO support for severe cardiogenic shock (when the heart can't pump enough blood). The treatment involves early use of a device to reduce pressure on the heart's main pumping chamber.
Clermont-FerrandAges 18 years+ - NCT07584187Recruiting
Brain monitoring during emergency heart-lung support treatment
This study uses special monitoring devices to measure brain activity in patients receiving emergency mechanical heart-lung support (ECMO). The goal is to help doctors quickly predict which patients might recover neurologically and guide early treatment decisions.
ViennaAges 18 years+ - NCT06770023RecruitingPhase 1
Bridge to lung transplant with ECMO for right heart failure
This study tests a special heart-lung support machine (ECMO) for people waiting for a lung transplant whose heart is failing due to high blood pressure in the lungs. The machine helps rest the heart and lungs until transplant surgery.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 18–80 - NCT07726940Recruiting
A Study of Immune Responses and ECMO in Severe Lung Injury
This study looks at how the immune system and ECMO (a machine that helps oxygenate blood) can improve outcomes for people with moderate to severe ARDS. If you join, researchers will monitor your condition and treatment to find better ways to manage this serious lung problem.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT03593408Recruiting
Study drug levels in children on ECMO
This study measures how sedating and pain medicines move through the body in children who are supported by ECMO (a heart-lung machine). It may help doctors choose safer and more effective dosing for sedation and pain control during ECMO.
Boston, MassachusettsAges birth–17 years - NCT03793257Recruiting
ECMO patient registry for adults in Australia and New Zealand
This is a research registry for adults who need a breathing and/or heart support machine called ECMO while in the hospital. It collects information to better understand who receives ECMO and how patients do over time.
Canberra, Australian Capital TerritoryAges 18 years+ - NCT04158479Recruiting
Registry for people on ECMO life support
This registry collects information about people who are placed on ECMO, a heart-lung machine used to support breathing and/or circulation. It may help doctors better understand who benefits and how to manage ECMO in the future.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges Any age - NCT04273607RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Test an ECMO approach without blood thinners for lung failure
This trial studies whether people on a breathing machine called VV-ECMO can be managed without routine blood thinners, to reduce bleeding risk. It is meant for adults with severe lung failure (ARDS) and checks that it is safe for you to avoid anticoagulation.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT04754854Recruiting
Testing less blood recirculation during veno-venous ECMO
This trial studies whether a change in how a veno-venous ECMO machine works can reduce “blood recirculation” (blood returning to the circuit too quickly) in people with severe lung failure. It may help improve oxygen levels in adults whose ARDS is not responding to standard treatment.
BerlinAges 18 years+ - NCT05132387Recruiting
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry using automatic CPR
This study records information about people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and receive automatic chest compressions. It focuses on specific heart rhythms and emergency timing, which may help improve future emergency treatment.
WroclawAges 18–60 - NCT05440851Recruiting
Testing different treatments for severe breathing failure in ICU
This platform trial studies which treatment works best for adults with sudden, severe breathing failure needing oxygen or a breathing machine in the ICU. It may help patients by matching them to the most appropriate treatment strategy and tracking outcomes to improve care.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for ecmo?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 72 recruiting ecmo studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a ecmo trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a ecmo trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.