39th Annual Congress – Lisbon

CCL, Lisboa Congress Centre

Praça das Industrias, 1
1300-307 Lisbon, Portugal

How to get there

The ESICM LIVES Annual Congress is a professional scientific meeting committed to providing a respective and inclusive environment.

All delegates including speakers, exhibitors, media staff and other participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect  according to the values of the ESICM.

The official language of the Congress is English. There will be no simultaneous translation.

Join us in making ESICM LIVES 2026 a more sustainable congress

I. Key initiatives 

 Sustainability & Environment

1. Waste sorting: Waste is carefully sorted at the venue.
2. Bring your water bottle: All participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles.
3. Badge holders and lanyards: From 2024 onwards, ESICM has moved to recyclable cardboard badge holders instead of plastic. Lanyards are also designed for reuse, as they are no longer rebranded every year.
4. Local food: The venue sources all food from local small-scale suppliers. On Wednesday, 14 October, we encourage everyone to go vegetarian for a day. On this date, all food offered at the CCL, Lisboa Congress Centre will be entirely vegetarian.
5. No single-use plastic is used in the catering areas. Lunch boxes are provided in recycled paper containers.
6. Morning Charity Run & Walk – Support ICU patients around the world!
7. ISO 20121:2024 Certified PCO: ESICM has partnered with K.I.T. Group, which is ISO 20121:2024 certified for sustainable event management.

 Accessibility & Convenience

1. Transport connections: The venue is easily accessible by public transportation from both the airport and the city center.
2. Accessibility of facilities: All areas of the congress centre are accessible. For further assistance, please reach out to the organisation team.
3. Mothers’ room: If you require a space, free rooms can be arranged at the registration desk.

II. Sustainability Tips 

1. Go digital and limit paper usage 

You can download the ESICM App on Apple and Google Playstore. In the App you will find all information regarding the congress, including the full scientific programme, the exhibitors list and much more.

2. Water, water everywhere 

Bring your own reusable water bottle to refill at the water stations located throughout the congress.

3. Live like the locals

Save time and reduce your impact on the environment by getting to the congress venue by public transport, the fastest, most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly option. If public transport is not a viable option for you, we encourage you to use low-emission vehicles.

4. Limit your carbon footprint while travelling 

Lisbon is well connected to the European rail network, making it easy to reach by train.

If you must travel by plane, choose direct flights when possible to limit the carbon emissions.

Make your stay more sustainable by choosing a Green Certified hotel* and benefit from negotiated rates. You can find Green Certified Hotels on our accommodation platform.

*To be certified, hotels must fulfil internationally defined criteria specially adapted for establishments within the tourism sector. They must make considerable environmental efforts across areas such as food and beverage, energy, waste, and water. They should also calculate their carbon footprint and set targets to reduce it.

5. Save Energy

Save energy by turning off computers, laptops and other electronic devices when not in use. Recharge them only when needed. Turn off the AC and switch off the lights when leaving your hotel room.

6. Recycling made easy 

Use the designated recycling bins throughout the congress centre to help us get your waste where it needs to go.

7. Your lanyard will live again 

When you leave, please deposit your lanyard in the corresponding waste bins. Or keep it to reuse it next year.

REVIEW PROCESS

The abstract submission system closed on 22 April 2026, 23:59 CET.
This abstract receipt deadline is firm and any abstracts received after the deadline will not be accepted. Abstract submitters received an e-mail confirmation immediately after submitting their abstract. If you did not receive this e-mail, please contact the Abstract Department.

The submitted abstracts will be now examined anonymously by the ESICM Congress Committee.
The authors will be informed of acceptance/rejection of their abstract by e-mail at the end of June 2026. All abstracts selected for presentation at the Congress will be presented either in the form of an oral or an e-poster presentation and will be published in the ICMx Journal.

ABSTRACT AWARDS

Ten Best Abstracts Awards
Presenters of the 10 best abstracts will receive an award including one free registration to LIVES 2027 (core congress).

Three N&AHP Abstract Awards
The N&AHP best abstract award includes one free registration to LIVES 2027 (core congress).

Notes:

• Submission of an abstract constitutes a formal commitment by the author to present the abstract in thesession and at the time decided upon by the Congress Committee. One of the co-authors can take over ifneeded. Failure to present the abstract, for other than duly motivated reasons, will lead to rejection ofabstract submission at the next ESICM Event.
• Registration fees for the presenting author will not be waived.
• It is the authors' responsibility to submit abstracts in perfect order with no errors in spelling and grammar.Abstracts will not be corrected.
• ESICM does not accept neither case reports or case series.
• The authors agree that ESICM will publish abstracts in the ICMx Journal and record the presentation forsubsequent use, as it deems appropriate.
• The signing author certifies that any work with human or animal subjects related in this abstract complies with the guiding principles for experimental procedures, as set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki and related publications.
• Submitting an abstract also certifies that at the time of submission, the scientific material found within the abstract has not been presented at any other meeting and will not be published in any form other than abstract form prior to the ESICM Annual Congress.

Failure to adhere to these rules will result in the automatic rejection of the abstract.

• Educational Prog under construction

At LIVES 2026 in Lisbon, the innovative formats of on-site sessions and activities will foster networking and knowledge exchange among colleagues and friends. The scientific programme will feature a diverse array of formats, including dynamic debates, case presentations, interactive lectures, symposia, and case discussions, among many others!

What can you expect at LIVES 2026?

Debates

Engage in in-depth discussions about complex issues that clinicians encounter in their daily practice. Experts from various fields of intensive care medicine will speak on specific topics, followed by a moderated debate where the audience can actively participate.

Clinical-Oriented Debates

Each clinical-oriented debate begins with a brief description of a clinical scenario, outlining a context with various issues. The discussion, always clinically oriented, will address these issues, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to the case. At the end, a concise summary with key take-home messages will be presented.

Hot Topics Session

This session, held at the end of the congress, is dedicated to presenting cutting-edge research on the fundamental aspects of Intensive Care Medicine to a large audience.

Latest research from the ICM Journal

This session will delve into a series of recently published papers in the Intensive Care Medicine Journal, exploring their implications for clinical practice.

NEXT Lounge

A dedicated space for young intensivists and ICM trainees to meet, mingle, and enjoy a specially designed parallel scientific programme.

NEXT Escape Games

Join the NEXT Escape Room Challenge at the ESICM Congress! Team up in groups of 3 to 5 and dive into a thrilling clinical case. Solve the puzzle faster than anyone else and win an exciting prize! Remember, spaces are limited, so register onsite early to secure your spot in this captivating test of skills and teamwork.

N&AHP/Pharma Lounge

A dedicated space for Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals, as well as those interested in pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, or ICU Pharmacists, to meet, mingle, and enjoy a specially designed parallel scientific programme.

Poster Stations

Abstract presenters will engage in brief discussions about their research, addressing questions and comments from both the moderators and the audience.

Pre-congress courses -  Limited availability!

1- Advanced Course in Critical Care Echocardiography (EDEC)

The ESICM Advanced Course in Intensive Care Echocardiography (EDEC) is designed for intensivists who have achieved a basic level of education and training in the use of echocardiography in an intensive care setting and would like to obtain advanced knowledge and certification of their competency.

Complement this course with a practical workshop that you can book separately during the congress. 

2- Advanced Course in Acute Respiratory Failure & Mechanical Ventilation

The Advanced Course in ARF & MV will cover key aspects of the transition phase of mechanical ventilation, including the switch to assisted and spontaneous breathing. It will explore respiratory drive and effort, bedside monitoring techniques (Pes, Pocc, P0.1, ultrasound), and strategies for lung- and diaphragm-protective ventilation.

The course will also address patient–ventilator dyssynchrony and its clinical relevance, as well as tracheostomy in critical care, including indications, management, practical care, and common pitfalls.

Interactive lectures will be combined with clinical case discussions, practical demonstrations, and the development of bedside frameworks to support evidence-based practice.

Requirements to join the course:

• Completed the ESICM Foundation course in ARF & MV
  OR
• Intensivist (in training), Anaesthesiologist (in training), or physician with at least 2 years of clinical experience in intensive care with ventilated patients
  OR
• Registered ICU Nurse / respiratory therapist with at least two years of experience treating ventilated patients

3-Refresher Course in Haemodynamics

The Refresher Course in Haemodynamics is a focused, learner-centred programme designed to strengthen physicians’ clinical decision-making using physiology and advanced monitoring.

The two-day training combines theoretical updates, practical interpretation, and interactive case-based discussions. Topics include the clinical use of key hemodynamic variables, bedside assessment of fluid responsiveness, and the application of tools such as transpulmonary thermodilution, Swan-Ganz catheterization, and critical care echocardiography.

Participants will engage in small-group sessions and clinical scenarios, including shock management, weaning failure of cardiac origin, and ROSE concept workshops, with a strong emphasis on bedside decision-making.

4-General Intensive Care Ultrasound

The ESICM General Intensive Care Ultrasound (GenIUS) course is a comprehensive, learner-centred programme designed to help physicians acquire and strengthen the essential skills needed to perform head-to-toe ultrasonography in the intensive care setting.

The course will offer theoretical insights, hands-on practice and case-based led by experts in critical care ultrasound. It also offers ample opportunities to engage with peers who share a passion for critical care ultrasound, building learning as well as research networks.

5- Advanced Case-based Course in ECLS/ECMO

The joint EuroELSO & ESICM Advanced Case Based ECLS/ECMO Course will reinforce at advanced level through case-based discussions and practical examples the key principles of ECMO such as VV-ECMO for adult respiratory failure, ECMO for refractory cardiac arrest (ECPR), ECMO for adult cardiac failure, weaning from VA-ECMO support, VA-ECMO versus other short-term circulatory support devices.

This event is part of a joint EuroELSO and ESICM learning programme to provide specialised training in extracorporeal techniques to healthcare professionals interested in the field. Certificates may be validated at EuroELSO on the path to the ELSO Adult ECMO Practitioner Certification (E-AEC).

Requirements to join the course:

Participants should have at least a basic understanding of, and preferably clinical experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. They can either be

• Intensivist (in training), Anaesthesiologist (in training), Perfusionist (in training) or MD with at least 2 years of clinical experience in intensive care
  OR
• Registered ICU Nurse with at least two years of experience treating critically-ill patients

Complement this course with a practical workshop that you can book separately during the congress.

6- Liver and Pancreas Intensive Care Management: useful facts

Course Description:
This pre-congress course provides a comprehensive, practical overview of liver, biliary, and pancreatic disease in the critically ill. Using a case-based and interactive format, the course focuses on real-world decision-making for intensivists, including management of cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure, acute liver failure, pancreatitis, liver trauma, post-transplant care, and the intensive care implications of liver and pancreatic surgery. Particular emphasis is placed on recognition of complications, escalation of care, and timing of referral and transplantation.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess and manage critically ill patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF), including recognition of major complications and appropriate timing for referral and transplantation.
• Diagnose and manage acute pancreatitis in the ICU, including identification of complications and indications for interventional radiology and/or surgical escalation.
• Apply principles of post–liver transplant intensive care, including recognition and management of common complications and safe care outside specialist transplant centres.
• Anticipate and manage ICU issues related to liver trauma and major liver and pancreatic surgery, including expected post-operative and trauma-related complications.
• Recognise and manage liver dysfunction and acute liver failure in critical illness, including key complications and indications for escalation of care and transfer to specialist centres.

Target Audience:
Intensivists, anaesthesiologists, trainees, and allied health professionals involved in the care of critically ill patients with liver and pancreatic disease.

Workshops - Limited availability!

1-Acute Respiratory Failure & Mechanical Ventilation (ARF & MV)
Duration: 4 hours/workshop
Learning objectives:

• Define the goal of recruitment strategies in patients with hypoxemic lung failure
• List techniques available at bedside to assess potential for lung recruitment in patients with hypoxemic lung failure
• Perform at the bed side manoeuvres to lung recruitment in patients with hypoxemic lung failure
• To select the optimal PEEP level limiting atelectasis and pulmonary over distension in patients with hypoxemic lung failure
• Explain the goals and risks of mechanical support in patients with obstructive lung disease
• Determine the optimal level of PEEP at the bed side in patients with obstructive lung disease under controlled and assisted ventilation
• Determine the optimal level of inspiratory support w/o increasing risks associated with pulmonary hyperinflation in patients with obstracttive pulmonary disease.
• Describe the rationale for monitoring respiratory drive and effort in patients with acute respiratory failure
• Demonstrate how to measure P0.1m Poccl, plateau pressure and dynamic transpulmonary pressure during assisted ventilation
• Discuss the limitations of P0.1, Poccl, Pplateau and dynamic transpulmonary pressure measurement
• Discuss how respiratory drive and effort can be modulated bedside
• List the rational for advanced respiratory monitoring using ultrasound and EIT in patients with acute respiratory failure
• Use ultrasound to assess respiratory muscle function in critically ill patients
• Understand the role of lung ultrasound in patients with acute respiratory failure and apply this at the bedside

Content:

• Station 1 - Lung recruitment: driving pressure, R/I ratio, AOP, lung hysteresis and APRV
• Station 2 - Setting the ventilator in obstructive lung disease
• Station 3 - Transition phase: P0.1, Pocc, ΔPlung,dyn
• Station 4 - Demonstration of lung and diaphragm ultrasound, EIT

2-ECLS/ECMO
Joint event ESICM & EuroELSO
Duration: 4 hours/workshop

Certification:
Certificates are issued in collaboration with EuroELSO. Certificates may be validated at EuroELSO on the path to the ELSO Adult ECMO Practitioner Certification (E-AEC).

Learning objectives:

• Understand the respective indications and basic management of V-A and V-V ECMO
• Identify basic circuit components & mechanical troubleshooting
• Understand the physiology of ECMO-patient interactions
• Identify and manage drainage insufficiency
• Identify and manage recirculation (V-V)
• Identify and manage LV distension (V-A)
• Identify and manage differential oxygenation (V-A)
• Understand the basics of weaning from V-A and V-V ECMO-support

Content:

• Station 1 - V-V station
• Station 2 - V-A station
• Station 3 - Normal pump physiology and troubleshooting

 Complement this practical workshop with the pre-Congress Advanced Case Based ECLS/ECMO Course.

3-Haemodynamics
Duration: 4 hours/workshop
Learning objectives:
General Hemodynamic Principles

• Recall the physiological determinants of arterial pressure and cardiac output, and interpret these variables at the bedside.
• Understand how advanced hemodynamic monitoring devices (including transpulmonary thermodilution) work and identify their appropriate indications and limitations.
• Assess tissue oxygenation using available clinical and biological markers, and discuss their respective strengths and limitations.
• Apply key hemodynamic variables in simulated clinical scenarios to guide therapeutic decision-making.

Station 1 – Septic Shock Management

• Describe the hemodynamic profile of septic shock.
• Optimize fluid therapy using dynamic indices and advanced monitoring tools.
• Initiate and titrate vasopressors and adjunctive therapies based on macro- and microcirculatory targets.
• Interpret transpulmonary thermodilution variables (e.g., cardiac output, preload indices, EVLW) to personalize resuscitation.
• Reassess treatment effects and adjust therapy accordingly.

Station 2 – Cardiogenic Shock Management

• Recall the classifications and phenotypes of cardiogenic shock.
• Identify the pillars of management: pharmacological therapies (inotropes, vasopressors), mechanical circulatory support, and interventional strategies.
• Use hemodynamic monitoring to guide treatment selection, escalation, and de-escalation.
• Evaluate treatment response and recognize criteria for weaning from inotropes and mechanical support.

Content:

• Station 1 – Simulation & Demonstration: Septic Shock Management
• Station 2 – Simulation & Demonstration: Cardiogenic Shock Management

Complement this practical workshop with the pre-congress Refresher Course in Haemodynamics.

4-Intensive Care Nephrology
Duration: 4 hours/workshop

Learning objectives:
Station 1 - Regional Citrate Anticoagulation (RCA) & Acid–Base Abnormalities

• Managing citrate protocols
• Troubleshooting metabolic complications
• Adjusting RRT dose/prescription

Station 2 - Optimising Circuit Performance: Alarms & Troubleshooting

• Identify/resolve common alarms
• Interpret pressures/TMP
• Manage access problems

Station 3 - Hybrid/Advanced Extracorporeal Therapies CRRT + ECCO / Hemoadsorption / Plasma Exchange

• Understand configuration options
• Indications/contraindications
• Circuit monitoring & complications

Station 4 - Dialysis & Dysnatremias (Hypo/Hypernatremia) on CRRT

• Calculate safe correction rates
• Adjust bags & machine settings
• Integrate electrolytes into RRT prescription

Station 5 - Ultrasound in AKI

• Renal & IVC ultrasound
• Hydronephrosis recognition
• Volume assessment in AKI

 Content:

• Station 1 - Regional Citrate Anticoagulation (RCA) & Acid–Base Abnormalities
• Station 2 - Optimising Circuit Performance: Alarms & Troubleshooting
• Station 3 - Hybrid/Advanced Extracorporeal Therapies CRRT + ECCO / Hemoadsorption / Plasma Exchange
• Station 4 - Dialysis & Dysnatremias (Hypo/Hypernatremia) on CRRT
• Station 5 - Ultrasound in AKI

5-Advanced Critical Care Echocardiography
Duration: 2,5 hours

While the pre-Congress Advanced Course on Intensive Care Echocardiography combines interactive lectures, keynotes and case debates, the practical workshop to be carried out during the congress will help you to complement theory with practice through a two-component workshop:

• Component 1: Manipulation of TEE probe in advanced CCE (1 h)
• Component 2: Image interpretation in advanced ICE (1,5 h)

Please note: workshop slots may be booked also by participants who are registered for the EDEC diploma.

Complement this practical two-component workshop with the pre-Congress Advanced Course in Intensive Care Echocardiography (EDEC)

An application will be made to the UEMS EACCME® for CME accreditation of this event.

Registration Department

K.I.T. Group GmbH | Association & Conference Management | Kurfürstendamm 71, 10709 Berlin, Germany | Tel: +49 (0)30 24 603 319 | Email

Registrations : 27 April 2026

CONGRESS FEES

Fees are excluding 23% Portugal VAT

Core Congress (from Mon 12 Oct until Wed 14 Oct)

No coffee breaks/lunches will be provided as part of the congress package.

Pre-Congress Courses WEEKEND (Sat 10 Oct & Sun 11 Oct) - Seats limited!

Congress Workshops WEEK (Mon 12 Oct / Tue 13 Oct / Wed 14 Oct) - Seats limited!

Please note: Registration for the congress is a prerequisite for signing up for the educational sessions carried out during the congress.

NB:

Registrations for more than 5 (five) participants will be handled separately as a group booking.

We also offer free registration for Media representatives. Please send a valid document (press ID) to the ESICM Registration Department by Email before you submit your online registration.

*Low and Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC), as per the World Bank classification.

**N&AHP may be any nurse or allied healthcare professional (see professions here). Industry Representatives cannot be considered as Allied Health Professionals.

***To be purchased on-site.

If you are not yet a member of ESICM, there is no better time to join.
Join now! and benefit from this offer and all the other advantages membership of our global intensive care community brings.
More information about ESICM membership fees, HERE

Registration Dates

• Early registration: until 20 August 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Standard registration: from 21 August until 30 September 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Late registration: from 01 October until end of the congress

Letter of invitation

Individuals requiring an official Letter of Invitation can request one from the ESICM Registration Department. To receive a Letter of Invitation, attendees must first register to the Congress and submit payment in full.
The Letter of Invitation does not financially obligate the K.I.T. Group or ESICM in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

Terms and Conditions

Available HERE

Morning Charity Run & Walk – Support ICU patients around the world!

For the second time at LIVES, ESICM is organising a Morning Charity Run & Walk to bring our community together in support of a vital cause.

When: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Time: 7:00 AM - Meeting time | 7:15 AM Starting time
Meeting Place:   In front of the Congress Center - CCL Lisbon
Running track:   Along the Tejo River to the Belem Tower
Price: 40 € with t-shirt

All proceeds will go to the ALIVE Fund, dedicated to improving intensive care patient outcomes worldwide. Join colleagues for a healthy, energising start to the day — and make a real impact.

Special Bonus: All registered participants will be entered into a prize draw to win free registration for LIVES 2027!

Note: No changing rooms will be available on-site, but a cloakroom will be provided at the congress venue for personal belongings.

Register now via the same link as your LIVES 2026 congress registration!
Don't miss your chance to move for a cause that matters.

Let’s run and walk for those who can’t. See you at the start line!

ESICM Dinner

When? 13/10/2026 - 20:30
Where? Estufa Fria - Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal
How much? 98 € without VAT

Nestled within the lush, enchanting beauty of Lisbon’s Estufa Fria, the ESICM Dinner will be a wonderful evening to connect with colleagues over exquisite dishes from our live culinary stations before we head to the dance floor for a lively night of music and mingling.

The Estufa Fria in Lisbon is a unique space were nature and history meet in harmony. Initially designed as a shelter for plants, it has become an idyllic setting, with lakes, waterfalls and hundreds of exotic species.

Code of Conduct

The ESICM LIVES Annual Congress is a professional scientific meeting committed to providing a respective and inclusive environment.

All delegates including speakers, exhibitors, media staff and other participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect  according to the values of the ESICM.

A number of hotels in different categories have been pre-booked at preferential rates for the congress. Rates include breakfast, local VAT and city tax. The hotels are located both close to the congress venue and in the city centre, with convenient and fast routes to the congress venue.

Book your hotel accommodation ahead of time and benefit from the best rates and choices. 
Please contact the Hotel Department for further information.

Accommodation

K.I.T. Group GmbH is the official housing agency, selected by the congress organiser, to be in charge of the hotel bookings for ESICM 2026. Individual bookings and small groups of up to 10 delegates can be made via the booking platform which will be available approximately by May 2026.

Group Bookings
Please note that group reservations, 10 rooms or more, will be handled with separate contracts and separate regulations. Please contact the Hotel Department for further information.

The designated official accommodation partner for the ESICM LIVES Annual Congress 2026 in Lisbon is K.I.T. Group GmbH:

K.I.T. Group GmbH
Kurfürstendamm 71
10709 Berlin
Germany
Tel. +49 30 24603 209
Email

Your hotel reservation will be part of the Congress Reservation block booking and the K.I.T. Group GmbH will be available to provide support.

Sponsorship

For questions regarding sponsorship, please contact:

Joel Alexandre
ESICM CEO
joel.alexandre@esicm.org

Elise Maquestiaux
ESICM Events & Sponsors Coordinator
elise.maquestiaux@esicm.org

Exhibition Space

For questions regarding exhibition, please contact:

Hester Folley
K.I.T. Group
industry@esicm-congress.org

This event is pre-cleared with the MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice for this event, see on Event Details CVS

All Italian pharmaceutical companies that need to obtain AIFA approval must contact:

HuTechTravel EVENTS | Volonline Group – Viale Tunisia, 21 - 20124 Milano

www.volonlinegroup.it |  www.hutechtravel.com

Barbara.Mantegazza@hutechtravel.com

Sustainability checklist for industry partner