In a compelling interview at the SWAAC ELSO conference, Dr. Grace , Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist and Co-Director at Sidra Medicine, Qatar, delves into the nuances of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) in pediatric care. She emphasizes that while ECPR is feasible for neonates, challenges arise with infants under 2.5 kg and those born before 34 weeks gestation due to cannulation complexities and heightened risks.

Dr. Grace highlights that children with cardiac conditions often experience better ECPR outcomes compared to non-cardiac patients, such as those with severe ARDS or septic shock. She underscores the importance of swift, high-quality CPR and a well-prepared, trained team to initiate ECMO within 45–60 minutes post-arrest, likening the process to a Formula 1 pit stop for its precision and speed.

Drawing parallels with adult ECPR practices ,Dr. Grace notes that while adult protocols offer valuable insights, pediatric cases differ significantly, particularly concerning out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, which are rare in children. She advocates for robust governance, standardized protocols, and simulation-based training to enhance ECPR efficacy.

Reflecting on the ELSO conference, Dr. Grace praises the region’s hospitality and the opportunity to collaborate with peers, emphasizing the growing research contributions from the Middle East in ECMO and ECPR. She concludes by stressing the need for continuous learning and improvement in pediatric ECPR programs to address the high mortality rates among critically ill children.