Saturday with SMACC: Ho v Bellezzo debate — ECMO is a step too far

One of my favorite sessions from SMACC Chicago last year was the the debate between Chris Ho and Joe Bellezzo — both from Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ho — on the resolution: ECPR (extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a step to far. Dr. Ho took the affirmative side, arguing that ECPR (with is the same as ECMO) was not backed by any evidence of efficacy, horrendously expensive, resource-intensive, fraught with complications, and unethical. Dr. Bellezzo countered that all of his opponents objections were “bullshit.” The session was entertaining but also dead serious. To listen, click here. To read my Emergency Medicine News column discussing the potential use of ECMO in the poisoned patient, click here. Steve Aks and I were recently interviewed on the EDECMO podcast by Drs. Bellezzo, Zack Shinar, and Scott Weingart, discussing the similar topics. That podcast can be found here. Related post: Severe bupropion overdose and ECMO: two great saves By the way, SMACC 2016 — in Dublin June 13-16 — is now completely sold out. If you are interested in attending, go to the SMACC website for instructions on how to get on the wait list.  
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical Chris Ho ECMO ECPR extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation extracorporeal membrane oxygenation Joe Bellezzo saturday with smack SMACC Source Type: news