Timing of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Outcomes in Adult Patients With Moderate-Severe Blunt Thoracic Trauma

Initiation of VV-ECMO within ≤7 days was associated with significantly shorter ICU-LOS and comparable odds of mortality, without significant differences in complications or adverse events, including transfusion requirements and venous thromboembolism. Trauma and critical care societies should consider these findings when revisiting existing ECMO protocols concerning the early initiation of VV-ECMO to improve outcomes in this population.