ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides temporary support when the heart or lungs cannot function adequately.
Overview
Specialist teams may use ECMO in severe heart or lung failure, after certain operations, or as a bridge to transplantation. It is a critical-care treatment for selected patients.
ECMO pumps blood outside the body through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide before returning the blood to the circulation. It supports organ function while further treatment or recovery takes place.
What to expect
The intensive-care team assesses whether ECMO is appropriate, explains the expected support and prepares the patient. Preparation depends on the urgency and underlying illness.
Cannulas are placed in large blood vessels and connected to the circuit. The team continually monitors circulation, oxygenation, the equipment and treatment medicines.
Support can continue for days or weeks. Heart and lung function are reassessed regularly, and support is reduced gradually when recovery permits.
Risks
Serious risks include bleeding, blood clots, stroke, infection and inadequate blood flow or oxygen delivery. The team balances these risks against the severity of the illness.
Frequently asked questions
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References
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