A consensus of international experts on definition, sampling, treatment, and prevention of peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula-site infection obtained by the Delphi method: the SAVECMO study
Methodological details4 Delphi rounds, international expert panel, consensus ≥ 70% agreement
- 4 Delphi rounds
- International expert panel
- Consensus ≥ 70% agreement
Recommendations
As issued by the authors
Suspect ECMO cannula-site infections (ECMO-CSI) in clinical scenarios such as purulent discharge and local inflammatory signs
Standardized sampling with swabs and purulent drainage aspiration recommended; other techniques rejected
ECMO-CSI defined by pathogen isolation on local microbiological sampling plus purulent discharge or local inflammatory signs
Prevention: chlorhexidine-impregnated or semipermeable polyurethane dressings, unchanged for 7 days unless soiled or bleeding
Systematic antibiotic prophylaxis not recommended, even for surgical extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Original publication
A consensus of international experts on definition, sampling, treatment, and prevention of peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula-site infection obtained by the Delphi method: the SAVECMO study. Intensive Care Med. Published 8 January 2026. doi:10.
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