What is ECMO

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life-supporting technique used in critical care medicine. It provides temporary support to the heart and lungs of patients experiencing severe heart or lung failure. ECMO involves diverting a portion of the patient's blood outside the body to an artificial lung (oxygenator) that removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the patient's bloodstream, essentially performing the functions of the heart and lungs to allow these organs to rest and recover.

ECMO is typically utilized in cases where conventional treatments such as mechanical ventilation or medication are insufficient to support respiratory or cardiac function. It is employed in various critical medical scenarios, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pneumonia, heart failure, and post-cardiotomy shock. Additionally, ECMO is sometimes used during complex surgical procedures like lung or heart transplantation.
The decision to use ECMO is made based on the patient’s specific medical condition, the severity of their illness, and the assessment by a specialized medical team. While ECMO can be a life-saving intervention, it is not without risks, and its application requires careful monitoring and expertise from healthcare professionals.

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