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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

In extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), blood is pumped outside of the body to a heart-lung machine. The machine removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygen-rich blood back to the body. Blood flows from the right side of the heart to the heart-lung machine. It’s then rewarmed and sent back to the body.

ECMO lets blood go around the heart and lungs. This allows the heart and lungs to rest and heal.

ECMO is a form of extracorporeal life support (ECLS). It’s used is for life-threatening heart and lung conditions. ECMO may be used in care for COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other infections.

ECMO may be used to help people who have conditions that cause heart or lung failure. It also may be used for people who are waiting for or recovering from a heart transplant or lung transplant. Sometimes it’s used when other life support measures haven’t worked.

ECMO does not treat or cure diseases. But it can give short-term help when the body can’t provide the tissues with enough oxygen and blood flow.

Some heart conditions in which ECMO may be used include:

Some lung conditions in which ECMO may be used include:

Possible risks of ECMO include:

ECMO is used when life support is needed after surgery or during serious illness. ECMO can help your heart or lungs so you can heal. A healthcare professional decides when it may be helpful. If you need ECMO, your healthcare professionals, including trained respiratory therapists, prepare you.

Your healthcare professional puts a thin, flexible tube, called a cannula, into a vein to draw out blood. A second tube goes into a vein or artery to return warmed blood with oxygen to your body. You get other medicines, including sedation, to make you comfortable during ECMO.

Depending on your condition, ECMO might be used from a few days to a few weeks. Your healthcare team talks with you or your family about what to expect.

ECMO outcomes vary. Your healthcare team can explain how helpful ECMO may be for you.

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