• Gianluca Paternoster, Pietro Bertini, Fabio Sangalli, and Sabino Scolletta.
• Department of Health Science Anesthesia and ICU, School of Medicine, San Carlo Hospital, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy - paternostergianluca@gmail.com.
• Minerva Anestesiol. 2024 Dec 10.

AbstractVeno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique in the armamentarium of critical care medicine. It involves extracorporeal blood circulation outside the body, providing temporary respiratory support while allowing the lungs to heal. Traditionally, patients undergoing ECMO require sedation to minimize discomfort and facilitate mechanical ventilation. The "awake ECMO" concept emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate sedation-related complications and facilitate early mobilization in critically ill patients. In this article, we describe the potential advantages of awake ECMO and its role in preserving respiratory muscle function, enhancing rehabilitation prospects, and improving patient outcomes.

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