Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an innovative therapy that is used to support the physiologic needs of a patient during illnesses associated with acute severe respiratory and/or cardiac failure. ECMO is used in those life-threatening situations in which the oxygenation, ventilation, and circulatory support needs of the patient cannot be adequately maintained with a maximal conventional ventilator or pharmaceutical support. Essentially, ECMO is a simple pump circuit that can be used to support the role of failing lungs or hearts while therapies are aimed at organ recovery. While simple in concept and theory, this text illustrates the complexities associated with clinical use. The use of ECMO has evolved substantially overall the years-in part due to broader and growing applications, a better understanding of the technologies and how they can be used (especially in the context of long-term human-ECMO circuit interactions), objective tools for patient selection, management protocols, and, most importantly, a growing body of evidence-based science and literature that demonstrates the effectiveness of this highly invasive, resource-intensive, and complex tool. The goal of this text is to draw from established thought leaders and experts around the world and present a comprehensive review of the rapidly-evolving and expanding literature regarding the spectrum of applications for ECMO. While by no means is this implied to be the final and exhaustive text on this topic, it does aim to be as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible which is, in itself, a challenge given how quickly this field is evolving. This text is aimed at students and providers, at all levels, who might have interest or be involved in the care of these critically ill patients. Chapters focus on how programs can be structured, the specific details of patient selection, management, and expanding roles of ECMO. Both basic and sophisticated concepts are presented with the goal that all may learn. We also present an objective assessment of some of the evolving challenges and limitations to ECMO in the context of the increased utilization and expansion of this therapy, combined with "sicker" patients, and the ongoing journey towards improved outcomes while offering a salvage therapy to patients who might otherwise die.

The editors are proud to present our readers with a significantly expanded book, featuring 14 chapters by a distinguished group of 40 academic authors with decades of collective leadership experience. Based on the success of Volume 1, the current book in our series seeks to expand into important new areas. This includes diverse topics such as resilient leadership; electronic medical record implementations; interviewing for leadership positions; effective management in the low-resource setting; academic affiliations; crisis leadership; care quality and patient safety; the importance of diversity in health-care; complexity theory and ethics; change management; exploration of the executive function-dysfunction spectrum; and many other related concepts. The current tome begins with an introductory chapter that provides an in-depth overview of various theoretical aspects of leadership, including the most commonly encountered leadership styles. Throughout the book the authors focus on practical relevance of the topics being discussed, presenting 'lessons learned' and stressing the importance of flexible, authentic, servant leadership. The editors hope that Volume 2 of the Fundamentals of Leadership for Healthcare Professionals will be equally, or perhaps even more successful than Volume 1, and that it will provide an excellent springboard for Volume 3 in this important and unique book series!