Respiratory Failure Patients Treated With ECMO

While mechanical ventilation can be used to sustain life in those with lung injury, it, can further worsen lung injury or prevent lung healing resulting in high morbidity and mortality as seen in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the highest level of life support also known as the heart-lung machine, investigators may minimize injury from mechanical ventilation to allow the lungs to heal; however, the optimal ventilator strategies while on ECMO are unknown. This study will evaluate personalized ventilator strategy compared to standard of care ventilation.

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of Ciprofol, a new sedative, in critically ill patients receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support system for heart or lung failure. The investigation aims to: Assess how Ciprofol affects the oxygenator, a critical ECMO component responsible for adding oxygen to blood. Compare the safety of Ciprofol to midazolam, a commonly used sedative. Eligibility Criteria Adults aged 18 years or older. Patients receiving ECMO and mechanical ventilation for over 72 hours. Individuals requiring sedation for medical procedures. Study Protocol Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Ciprofol Group: Initial sedation dose of 0.1 mg/kg, adjusted as needed. Midazolam Group: Initial sedation dose of 0.05 mg/kg, adjusted as needed. Both groups will receive pain management with remifentanil. Sedation levels will be adjusted daily by the clinical team to ensure patient safety and comfort. Outcome Measures Primary: Oxygenator performance (oxygen and carbon dioxide levels) on Days 3 and 7. Secondary: Changes in blood triglyceride and clotting marker (D-dimer) levels, oxygenator lifespan before replacement, and safety outcomes such as low blood pressure, respiratory issues, or allergic reactions. Significance ECMO patients often require prolonged sedation, but current sedatives like midazolam may contribute to oxygenator damage. Ciprofol's potential for faster recovery and fewer side effects could improve sedation practices and device longevity in this high-risk population.