Could skipping full blood thinners during ECMO save lives?

NCT ID NCT04273607

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Damian Ratano Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using only low-dose blood thinners (instead of the standard full-dose) is safe for patients on a life-support machine called ECMO for severe lung failure. The goal is to see if this approach reduces dangerous bleeding while still preventing clots. Forty adults on ECMO will be randomly assigned to either the low-dose or standard blood thinner group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: prophylactic heparin (low-dose blood thinner)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that using less blood thinner during ECMO is safe, potentially reducing bleeding complications in critically ill patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. There is a risk of blood clots forming in the ECMO circuit or in the patient.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory distress syndrome Hemorrhage thrombotic disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION COMPLICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Toronto General Hospital
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N2, Canada

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