The Soil Ecology Soc Group

A significant 2026 study published in Circulation highlights the safety of EMB in critically ill patients, specifically those on ECMO (Life Support). While the general complication rate for EMB is 1-5%, it rises to over 30% in ECMO patients due to the "vulnerable myocardium" and necessary use of blood thinners.

To manage this, 2026 protocols require Heart Team discussions before the procedure. In these high-risk cases, the use of "micro-bioptomes" and the transition to transradial access (through the wrist) have helped reduce the incidence of major bleeding. Despite the risks, the "diagnostic impact" remains high, leading to a change in treatment plan for nearly 20% of all biopsy patients.