24, 77
An independent check on the Milan arithmetic from a completely different denominator: the number of recipients greatly exceeds the number of patients. Also the clearest statement that the field lacks defined criteria for terminating an ECPR run - which is what Chapter 24 exists to supply at the local level.
Not applicable
DOI 10.1053/j.jvca.2025.10.003
Organ procurement after failed ECPR, and the ethical concerns raised by the study authors
Heterogeneous studies, most not designed to address ethics; no patient-level synthesis. Structured abstract only. [VERIFICATION REQUIRED]
689 grafts were reported and 469 organ recipients transplanted from 254 patients. Only 7 of 17 studies addressed ethical aspects at all, emphasising that ECPR is initiated to save patients with a likely favourable neurological prognosis and that donation is considered only secondarily after an unfavourable outcome. The authors call for internationally coordinated, ethically grounded and legally binding regulation, including clearly defined criteria for the continuation or termination of ECPR, standardised consent procedures and structured multidisciplinary decision-making.
1,725 publications screened; 17 studies including 254 patients with unfavourable outcomes after ECPR