What is the goal of ECMO?
The goal of ECMO is to insure the body has enough oxygen. By taking over the work of the heart or lungs, ECMO allows the heart or lungs to rest. ECMO does not heal the heart or lungs but gives them time to rest and recover. We will use ECMO only when we have tried other less invasive methods and the patient has not improved. Once we place the patient on ECMO, we will decrease the ventilator (breathing machine) settings to levels that will not damage the lungs. We may also be able to decrease other drugs that support the heart. When the heart or lungs have healed and can work on their own, we will stop ECMO.