Neonatal ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is one of the most advanced life-support technologies in neonatal care, providing temporary cardiac and respiratory support for critically ill newborns who cannot be stabilised through conventional treatments. This session explores how to identify appropriate ECMO candidates, manage complex physiology during ECMO runs, and coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams. The focus is on improving survival, reducing complications, and supporting long-term developmental outcomes.

Clinicians across intensive-care and surgical fields frequently seek an Neonatology Conference to stay current with evolving technology, cannulation techniques, and updated survival trends. In this session, participants will examine case-based scenarios involving severe meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction, and postoperative congenital heart disease. Discussion includes how ECMO stabilises oxygenation and perfusion, how anticoagulation is managed safely, and how to prevent and detect complications such as bleeding, thrombosis, and neurologic injury.

A major theme is designing resilient pediatric ECMO care pathways that ensure seamless coordination between neonatologists, surgeons, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, and ECMO specialists. Attendees will explore how bedside assessment, circuit management, and real-time monitoring guide daily decisions. The session also reviews neuroprotective strategies, sedation plans, nutritional support during ECMO, and family communication during prolonged critical illness.

Participants will examine global disparities in ECMO access and the challenges faced by low-resource centres. Practical adaptations, simulation training, shared expertise networks, and tele-ECMO support models will be discussed. The session also highlights the importance of follow-up clinics for ECMO survivors, where developmental surveillance, feeding assessments, respiratory monitoring, and neurodevelopmental evaluations are essential. By the end, attendees will have a comprehensive view of how to evaluate, initiate, and manage neonatal ECMO safely and effectively.