ECMO

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a machine which does the job of Heart and Lungs when they fail.

ECMO treatment can be especially valuable in making it possible for your heart and lungs to rest and heal from a respiratory infection, heart attack or trauma.

How does ECMO work?

It is a type of artificial life support that continuously pumps blood out of your body and sends it through a series of devices that add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The machine then pumps your blood back into your body.

ECMO treatment helps people who need support for their lungs, but it can also bypass both your heart and lungs.

Is ECMO considered life support?

Yes. ECMO is a complex setup that add oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide directly from your blood similar to how your lungs do.

What conditions does an ECMO machine treat?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome- Respiratory failure

Pulmonary embolism – Inability to exchange gases

Heart injuries

Advanced Heart failure – Inability of heart to pump blood

Transplants & surgeries