Advances in extracorporeal therapies and mechanical circulatory support: innovation, translational science, and patient-centered outcomes

Extracorporeal therapies and mechanical circulatory support represent some of the most transformative advancements in cardiovascular and critical care medicine. Originally conceived as life-sustaining interventions, techniques such as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) have progressed into sophisticated, evidence-driven tools that enhance organ function and long-term patient outcomes. Despite this evolution, the field remains fragmented—ongoing research, physiological insights, engineering breakthroughs, and clinical application are often siloed, impeding the translation of innovation into integrated patient care. Recent studies have underscored the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered approaches, and emerging technologies, yet there is a pressing need for platforms that unify these dynamic domains and address persistent challenges in optimization, safety, and effectiveness of extracorporeal therapies.This Research Topic aims to provide an integrated forum that bridges physiology, engineering, and clinical practice in the realm of extracorporeal and mechanical circulatory support. By fostering collaboration among perfusionists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and biomedical engineers, the initiative seeks to drive progress in developing intelligent, adaptive, and personalized extracorporeal systems. The main objectives include examining the physiological mechanisms underpinning device function, evaluating clinical strategies such as evidence-based perfusion and patient blood management, exploring innovative technologies including artificial intelligence and biomimetic materials, and advancing knowledge on organ preservation and transplantation. Collectively, this Research Topic will catalyze translational research that enhances therapies and patient outcomes in cardiovascular medicine.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research, reviews, clinical studies, and perspectives focused on advancements in extracorporeal therapies and mechanical circulatory support, particularly as they relate to cardiovascular and transplant care. We welcome contributions that explore novel technologies, clinical strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches while also recognizing the limitations inherent in a field shaped by complex physiology and rapidly progressing innovation. To gather further insights in this multidisciplinary landscape, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Mechanisms and physiological underpinnings of CPB, ECMO, and MCSo Innovations in device design, circuit miniaturization, and biomimetic engineeringo Evidence-Based Perfusion (EBP), patient blood management (PBM), and enhanced recovery protocols in cardiac surgeryo Strategies for organ preservation, including normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and machine perfusion for transplantationo Implementation and evaluation of artificial intelligence, data-driven modeling, and extracorporeal immunomodulation in clinical practice Topic editors: Juan Blanco-Morillo, Marc Vives, Ahmed Labib Shehatta, Javier A. Segura Román Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78700/advances-in-extracorporeal-therapies-and-mechanical-circulatory-support-innovation-translational-science-and-patient-centered-outcomes