Clinical trials

The goal of this open label randomised clinical trial is to compare Bivalirudin versus Heparin for anticoagulation in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The main question it aims to answer are include the ability to maintain anticoagulation within defined therapeutic range, bleeding and thrombotic complications and a comparison of the total cost of anticoagulation care. Participants will be randomised to either anticoagulation with Bivalirudin or anticoagulation with Unfractionated Heparin.

Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is a high-risk procedure in the emergency department (ED). Patients are routinely preoxygenated (given supplemental oxygen) prior to RSI to prevent hypoxia during intubation. For many years anaesthetists have used end-tidal oxygen (ETO2) levels to guide the effectiveness of preoxygenation prior to intubation. The ETO2 gives an objective measurement of preoxygenation efficacy. This is currently not available in most EDs. This trial evaluates the use of ETO2 on the rate of hypoxia during intubation for patients in the ED.