Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary mechanical support system used to aid heart and lung function in patients of all ages – newborn to adult – with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.

Applications

ECMO is an option for:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Heart failure
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Failure to wean from heart-lung bypass after heart surgery
  • As a bridge to either a heart transplant or placement of a ventricular assist device
  • As a bridge to a lung transplant

Your medical team will determine if ECMO is appropriate based upon a review of your medical history, health status and prognosis.