ECMO: What You Need to Know

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a life-saving treatment that provides temporary support for the heart and lungs when they are unable to function properly on their own. ECMO is used in patients who are critically ill and have a high risk of death.

How does ECMO work?

ECMO works by diverting blood from the body to a machine outside of the body. The machine pumps the blood through an artificial lung, which removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen. The oxygenated blood is then pumped back into the body.

What are the different types of ECMO?

There are two main types of ECMO:

* Venovenous (VV) ECMO is used when the heart is functioning properly but the lungs are not. VV ECMO diverts blood from a large vein in the body (such as the femoral vein in the leg) to the artificial lung and then back to the body through another large vein (such as the jugular vein in the neck).

* Venoarterial (VA) ECMO is used when both the heart and the lungs are not functioning properly. VA ECMO diverts blood from a large vein in the body (such as the femoral vein in the leg) to the artificial lung and then back to the body through an artery (such as the femoral artery in the leg).

What are the risks of ECMO?

ECMO is a complex procedure with a number of risks, including:

* Bleeding

* Infection

* Stroke

* Organ damage

* Death

Who is a candidate for ECMO?

ECMO is typically used for patients who meet the following criteria:

* They are critically ill and have a high risk of death.

* They have not responded to other treatments.

* They are otherwise healthy and have a good chance of recovering from their illness.

How long can a patient stay on ECMO?

The length of time a patient can stay on ECMO varies depending on the individual patient's condition. Some patients may only need ECMO for a few days, while others may need it for several weeks or even months.

What is the success rate of ECMO?

The success rate of ECMO varies depending on the individual patient's condition and the reason for which ECMO is being used. In general, the success rate of ECMO is around 50%.

ECMO is a life-saving treatment that can give critically ill patients a second chance at life. However, it is a complex procedure with a number of risks. Patients who are considering ECMO should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure to make an informed decision about their care.