ECMO

Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO):

ECMO is a temporary life support system used for people whose lungs have stopped working properly. This can happen for several reasons, such as a very severe infection that damages the lungs and causes a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The ECMO machine temporarily does the work of the lungs, allowing them time to heal. To start ECMO, 2 large tubes (cannulas) are inserted into 2 large veins and placed up near the heart. The blood is then pumped from one tube, through an artificial lung where it picks up oxygen and drops off carbon dioxide. This oxygen-rich blood is then passed back into the blood stream through the other tube and provides sufficient oxygen to all the vital organs. As the lungs improve the need for ECMO will be less, until the lungs can work enough for the ECMO to be removed.