The mechanical circulatory support team at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt in Germany recently completed their first case using the CBM Lifemotion® ECMO system to support a 78-year-old female patient with acute right heart failure and cardiogenic shock refractory to vasoactive treatment. The procedure was carried out in the ICU with bi-femoral cannulation and ran for four days. The case provided valuable insights into system setup, clinical team experience, and integration into standard care protocols.
MIRANDOLA, Italy – July 28, 2025
Shared by the hospital, this image shows the Lifemotion® in active use during their first clinical case. The system’s compact design and intuitive interface support seamless bedside integration in the ICU.
The CBM Lifemotion® is a CE-marked extracorporeal life support system featuring a modular, mobile architecture and real-time touchscreen monitoring, built for both routine and emergency ECMO workflows.
System Setup and Team Integration: Smooth Workflow and Stable Support
The Frankfurt team reported that the setup process was efficient, with no technical issues observed during the run. The interface, while unfamiliar to the staff initially, was quickly understood and successfully integrated into the unit’s established ECMO protocols.Cannulation was performed bedside by the ICU team, without the need for patient transport or any configuration changes. The short, stable duration of support meant the system was not tested at maximum operational capacity. However, it performed reliably throughout the case.
Clinical Team Feedback: A Solid Start and Room to Explore
Perfusionists and medical staff responded positively to the system’s performance. Nursing staff quickly gained confidence following onsite training and support.
The team emphasized that the system fit seamlessly into their existing ECMO routine, without causing delays or disruptions. While the short duration did not allow for an extended evaluation of long-term performance, clinicians expressed interest in using the system for future cases with longer expected runtimes. As one member of the team shared,“We plan to continue the test phase and generate as much input for CBM as possible. Our goal is to better understand how the system performs over time, especially in complex and prolonged cases.”
Conclusion
The first clinical use of the CBM Lifemotion® ECMO system at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt was carried out safely, with positive feedback from perfusionists, ICU physicians, and nursing staff. The system’s efficient setup, smooth integration, and stable performance during this short case mark a strong start to the collaboration.
CBM Lifemotion® extends its sincere thanks to the entire clinical team and acknowledges the valuable support of Life Systems Medizintechnik-Service GmbH.
Special recognition to: PD Dr. Dr. Robert Stöhr, MCS Program Director
Dr. Marcus Hermann, Chief Perfusionist
Burcu Bakir, Perfusionist (case support & staff training)
Their expertise and collaboration contribute directly to the advancement of ECMO technology and best practices in critical care.
All feedback and experiences are shared with permission and in accordance with the institutional publicity policies of Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. No personal or patient-identifiable information is included.
This content is intended for professional and informational purposes only. It reflects individual clinician experiences and does not replace clinical guidelines, product labeling, or instructions for use. Device use should always follow CE-marked indications and local protocols.
