Feasibility and Prognosis of Early Rehabilitation in Patients With ECMO

ECMO is increasingly used in critically ill patients with severe circulatory and/or respiratory failure. Because of the catheterization of the femoral artery and femoral vein, usage of sedatives, and occasionally with neuromuscular blockers, ECMO patients are generally considered unsuitable for early activity. However, some recent retrospective studies and a small number of single-center, small-scale prospective studies have shown that early activity of ECMO patients is feasible, and early active activity is associated with recovery of independent function and reduction of delirium incidence.