Third Assault Brigade Medics Completed a Practical ECMO Master Class

Doctors of the Third Assault Brigade completed a practical master class in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) — one of the most advanced technologies in modern intensive care.

ECMO temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs when the body of a wounded soldier can no longer cope on its own. It is the point where conventional intensive care reaches its limits — and technology begins to fight for life.

The training was conducted by specialists of the Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine with the support of the AREVA Research Institute (San Antonio, USA) and its founder, surgeon Andriy Bachynsky.

Anesthesiologists Dr. Serhiy Sudakevych and Dr. Stepan Maruniak worked with participants on the organization of ECMO support: patient selection, configuration choice, circuit preparation, safe connection, parameter adjustment, and monitoring. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Oleh Zelenchuk led the vascular access and cannulation block: cannulation strategy, cannula selection and positioning, prevention and management of vascular complications.

The training was conducted in a simulation format on a mannequin — as close as possible to a real clinical scenario. The team practiced the complete algorithm: from indications and vascular access to ECMO initiation and patient stabilization.

Modern warfare requires not only rapid evacuation of severely wounded soldiers to specialized centers, but also bringing such advanced support closer to frontline positions, directly at the line of contact. In carefully selected cases of critical respiratory or cardiac failure, extracorporeal support can provide a chance for survival. Field ECMO at the Third Assault Brigade’s stabilization point increases the chances of saving the most severely wounded.

We are not just learning. We are shortening the path of the most complex technologies to reach our wounded.

We express gratitude to Chief Surgeon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Konstantyn Humeniuk, Deputy Minister of Health Vasyl Strilka, Director General of the Heart Institute Professor Borys Todurov, doctors Serhiy Sudakevych, Stepan Maruniak, Oleh Zelenchuk, the entire Heart Institute team, and the AREVA Research Institute — for professionalism and partnership.