What is ECMO?
ECMO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. ECMO is a special procedure that allows sick or injured heart or lungs the opportunity to rest and get better. It is the use of an artificial heart-lung machine for patients whose heart or lungs are failing despite all other treatments. The ECMO equipment functions as a heart (pump) and lung (providing oxygen). It takes over the work of these organs so they can rest and heal. When lungs are sick or injured, they are unable to provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) as they normally would. If the heart is sick, it may not adequately move blood through the body. ECMO is similar to heart-lung bypass used in the operating room except with ECMO we support the patient for longer periods of time. Once we place the patient on ECMO, the circuit will take over the work of the patient's lungs or heart. Oxygenation and ventilation (removal of carbon dioxide) is done for the patient so the heart or lungs can rest.