Clinical Research Directory

Prospective Observational Pilot Study of LMWH Versus UFH as ECMO Anticoagulation in Lung Transplantation

The aim of this observational pilot study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) as anticoagulation in perioperative ECMO during bilateral lung transplantation. The main question this study seeks to answer is: Does LMWH provide a safe and effective alternative to UFH for ECMO anticoagulation in lung transplantation, with reduced bleeding and thrombotic complications? Patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation with perioperative veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO support will be assigned to one of two anticoagulation strategies: UFH group: Standard UFH anticoagulation monitored using ROTEM. LMWH group: Enoxaparin-based anticoagulation monitored using ROTEM. The study will assess perioperative blood loss, hemoglobin levels, transfusion needs, and thrombotic events. Additional analyses will include coagulation profile assessments using point-of-care (POC) tests, thrombin generation test (TGT), and laboratory coagulation parameters.