Collection Overview 

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 

Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has rapidly become commonplace in critical care medicine, with veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) and veno-arterial ECMO (VA ECMO) representing the most common supportive therapies for rescuing patients with refractory respiratory failure and refractory cardiac failure, respectively. While the growth in the utilisation of ECMO has been associated with improvements in patient outcomes, advances in both translational and clinical research are required to improve the standard of care for patients on ECMO. In particular, research in this field may focus upon advances in devices and methods for ECMO, ECMO-related adverse events and complications, and management and outcomes of patients on ECMO.

This will be a Collection of original research papers  and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 26th February 2026.

Why is this Collection important?

"1. Relevance and Importance of ECMO
-Critical Life-Saving Technique: ECMO is a vital lifesaving intervention for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure, especially when conventional therapies fail. Its relevance has surged during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Advancements in Technology: Recent advancements in ECMO technology and techniques have improved patient outcomes, making this an important area of research and clinical practice.
- Broader Implications: Understanding ECMO can influence practices in critical care, surgical interventions, and emergency medicine, impacting a wide range of patients globally.

2. Excitement About the Collection
- Innovative Research: This collection presents an opportunity to highlight groundbreaking research, clinical trials, and case studies that advance the understanding and application of ECMO.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: It fosters collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and engineers, which is essential for innovation in ECMO technology and practices.
- Potential for Real-World Application: The collection can translate research findings into clinical applications, directly benefiting patient care and outcomes.

3. Potential Impact of the Collection
- Enhanced Knowledge Base: The collection can significantly contribute to the existing body of knowledge on ECMO, providing comprehensive insights into its efficacy, complications, and management strategies.
- Guideline Development: It may influence clinical guidelines and protocols, leading to improved standards of care in ECMO practices.
- Increased Awareness: By disseminating high-quality research, the collection can increase awareness of ECMO among healthcare professionals and policymakers, promoting its appropriate use.

4. Reasons for Researchers to Submit
- High-Impact Platform: The Journal of Scientific Reports offers a reputable platform for disseminating research, ensuring visibility and accessibility to a broad audience.
- Focus on Novel Ideas: The collection encourages novel and impactful research, allowing researchers to showcase innovative approaches and findings in ECMO.
-Networking Opportunities: Contributing to this collection can enhance networking opportunities with other experts in the field, potentially leading to future collaborations."

- Dr. Pablo G. Sanchez, Guest Editor

Why submit to a collection?  

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.  

Who is involved?

Guest Editors:

• Adrien Bouglé, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, France
• Pablo G. Sanchez, The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences, USA
• Eric Sy, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Shelby Bollen, Scientific Reports, UK
• Commissioning Editor: Sophie Gray, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Libby Symons, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page for more information on the Collection, and how to submit your article.