Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a special therapy for patients with respiratory and/or heart disease who do not respond to other forms of medical treatment. ECMO is not a cure for the underlying cause of cardiac or respiratory failure. It is designed to provide temporary support when all other forms of treatment fail.
With ECMO, blood from a vein is pumped through an artificial lung where oxygen is added and carbon dioxide is removed. The blood is then returned to the patient through a vein or artery. This is done continuously over a period of time, allowing the patient’s heart and lungs to rest and heal.