Guidelines

When to use ECMO?

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When to use ECMO?

ECMO is used in infants who are sick due to breathing or heart problems. The purpose of ECMO is to provide enough oxygen to the baby while allowing time for the lungs and heart to rest or heal. The most common conditions that may require ECMO are: It may also be used during the recovery period after heart surgery.

What are the risks of ECMO?

Bleeding may occur because the blood must be kept from clotting in the tubing. A drug called heparin is given to prevent clots.

  • Infection: This is a risk any time a tube is placed in the body,especially a blood vessel.
  • Transfusions: A person on ECMO will need blood products.
  • Small clots or air bubbles can get into the blood from the tubes.
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    How long can you live on ECMO?

    ECMO is generally continued until the underlying cardiac or lung problem is improved or resolved. The typical course is around five days, but in some cases, ECMO support has been continued for up to 25 to 30 days. Long-term ECMO support increases the chances of complications.

    How does an ECMO machine work?

    The ECMO machine will drain the blood from the vein, add the oxygen and remove the carbon dioxide, warm the blood and then return the blood to the artery and “pump” the blood through the body. This method allows the blood to “bypass” the heart and lungs, allowing them to rest and get better.

    What is an ECMO machine used for?

    Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The ECMO machine is similar to the heart-lung by-pass machine used in open-heart surgery. It pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest.

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    What does ECMO medically mean?

    Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a special procedure that uses an artificial heart-lung machine to take over the work of the lungs (and sometimes also the heart). ECMO is used most often in newborns and young children, but it also can be used as a last resort for adults whose heart or lungs are failing.