Abstract
PURPOSE: To analyze and summarize research hotspots and development trends in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), providing a reference for future studies on survivor outcomes. METHODS: Articles published between 2013 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOS viewer was used to assess contributions by countries, institutions, and authors in ECMO-related research. Collaboration networks, trending topics, and keyword patterns were analyzed using VOS viewer and Pajek. RESULTS: A total of 164 publications from 22 countries were included, accumulating 2870 citations overall. Research on ECMO patients' health-related quality of life demonstrated an annual growth rate of approximately 15% over the past decade. The United States, Germany, and Australia were the primary contributors. High-frequency keywords included outcomes, survivors, and ARDS, with COVID-19 emerging prominently from 2020 to 2024. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis, the first to focus specifically on ECMO survivors' HRQoL, demonstrates steady progress in the field. The analysis highlights three major research hotspots: survivor outcomes, rehabilitation strategies, and the impact of COVID-19, offering concrete insights into evolving directions and areas requiring future investigation.